Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning enters Japan's contiguous zone for first time.

According to information published by NHK on September 18, 2024, Japan's Ministry of Defense announced that three Chinese naval vessels, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning, briefly entered Japan's contiguous zone early on the 18th of September.
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Chinese Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier Liaoning. (Picture source: Chinese Ministry of Defense)

This marks the first time a Chinese aircraft carrier has navigated these waters. The Ministry confirmed that the vessels were sighted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force navigating the East China Sea near Okinawa on the evening of the 17th.

The Chinese fleet, consisting of the Liaoning and two missile destroyers, was seen heading south past the Senkaku Islands, approximately 70 kilometers west of Uotsuri Island. Shortly after, they moved between Yonaguni and Iriomote Islands, temporarily entering Japan's contiguous zone before continuing toward the Pacific.

Japan's contiguous zone lies just outside its territorial waters, where international law permits foreign ships to navigate. However, coastal nations are allowed to enforce measures to prevent illegal activities within their territorial waters. While the Ministry of Defense confirmed that there was no violation of Japan's territorial waters or any dangerous actions by the Chinese vessels, the event has sparked increased vigilance.

This naval passage follows other recent incidents involving Chinese military activity near Japan, including an airspace violation by a reconnaissance aircraft off Nagasaki in August and a brief incursion by a survey ship into Japan's territorial waters near Kagoshima. In response to these activities, Japan has expressed its concerns through diplomatic channels, deeming the latest developments unacceptable in light of previous Chinese military actions.

Simultaneously, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported that the Liaoning's group had passed through waters northeast of Taiwan and was heading southeast of Yonaguni Island. Taiwanese forces also closely monitored the carrier's movements, maintaining heightened surveillance throughout its passage. Both Japan and Taiwan continue to watch the situation closely as China's naval operations extend further from its shores.