TOKYO — Why 2 Chinese aircraft carriers are operating in the Pacific together for the first time. Japan has confirmed for the first time that two Chinese aircraft carriers operated simultaneously in the Pacific Ocean, marking a significant shift in Beijing’s naval capabilities and fueling Tokyo’s concerns over China’s expanding military reach far beyond its shores.
Aircraft carriers are central to extending a nation’s power projection across distant waters. While China frequently sends coast guard ships, warships, and military aircraft to the disputed East China Sea, this latest deployment pushed Chinese naval power into the second-island chain—a strategic zone that includes the U.S. territory of Guam. Previously, only one Chinese carrier had ventured into the Pacific, and never east of this chain until now.
Japan’s Defense Ministry expressed serious concern on Thursday, highlighting an incident where a Chinese fighter jet came within an “abnormally close” distance of a Japanese reconnaissance aircraft after taking off from one of the carriers.
Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory and vows to reclaim by force if necessary, described the move as evidence of China’s “expansionist ambitions.”
How the Deployment Took Place
According to Japan’s Defense Ministry, the two carriers—Liaoning and Shandong—were spotted operating in separate but nearly simultaneous missions near southern Japanese islands in the Pacific. Both were active near Iwo Jima, approximately 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) south of Tokyo.
The Liaoning sailed into Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Minamitorishima, Japan’s easternmost island. While this did not violate territorial waters, Japan lodged a formal protest with China.
Both carriers launched and recovered warplanes during the exercise. On Saturday, a Chinese J-15 fighter took off from the Shandong and pursued a Japanese P-3C patrol aircraft, coming as close as 45 meters (50 yards). The following day, another Chinese jet crossed just 900 meters (980 yards) in front of a Japanese reconnaissance plane. Tokyo called these approaches dangerously abnormal and warned they could lead to accidental collisions.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stressed that Tokyo will continue to monitor Chinese activity closely and enhance surveillance to safeguard national security.
Why This Worries Japan
This dual deployment demonstrates China’s growing ability to operate beyond the first-island chain—a key strategic line stretching from Japan through Taiwan to the Philippines. The Liaoning’s push toward the second-island chain sends a clear signal that Beijing can now challenge U.S. influence in the Pacific, particularly in waters critical to regional security.
Defense Minister Gen Nakatani stated that China’s objective is to enhance carrier strike group capabilities and expand operational reach into distant seas and airspace.
Japan has been reinforcing its defense posture since 2022, including developing counter-strike capabilities with long-range missiles as a deterrent to Chinese aggression.
China’s Naval Expansion
China’s navy confirmed the deployment, calling it part of routine training to improve “far seas protection” and joint operations. Beijing maintains that the exercises complied with international law and were not aimed at any specific country.
China’s military modernization aims to build a blue-water navy capable of sustained long-range operations. Although China now boasts the world’s largest navy by ship count, it trails the U.S. in aircraft carrier numbers—three compared to America’s eleven.
The U.S. maintains a constant carrier presence in Japan, currently with the USS George Washington, giving Washington a significant forward-deployed advantage.
The Pentagon has warned that China’s expanding carrier fleet extends air defense and operational range well beyond land-based systems, allowing operations deeper into the Pacific.
Taiwan’s Concerns
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo argued that Beijing is using every opportunity to extend military operations beyond the first-island chain as a political statement. China frequently sends warships and aircraft into Taiwan’s surrounding waters, widely viewed as rehearsals for a potential blockade.
China’s Current and Future Carriers
Both the Liaoning and Shandong use a “ski-jump” launch system, an older method that employs an upward-curved ramp to help aircraft take off.
The Liaoning is a refitted Soviet vessel, while the Shandong is China’s first domestically built carrier, modeled on Soviet design.
China’s third carrier, the Fujian, launched in 2022, is undergoing trials and is expected to become operational later this year. Unlike its predecessors, the Fujian will use a modern electromagnetic catapult system similar to that used on U.S. carriers.
While all three Chinese carriers are conventionally powered, U.S. carriers run on nuclear propulsion, enabling longer deployments and greater power output. Satellite images suggest China is now developing nuclear-powered carriers.
Other Chinese Military Activity Near Japan
In August, a Chinese reconnaissance aircraft entered Japanese airspace near Nagasaki, and a Chinese survey ship breached Japanese territorial waters near Kagoshima. In September, the Liaoning and two destroyers sailed between Japan’s Yonaguni Island and Iriomote, approaching Taiwan.
China also regularly sends coast guard vessels and aircraft near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, prompting frequent Japanese fighter jet scrambles.
Tokyo is additionally concerned about Beijing’s increased military cooperation with Russia, including joint patrols near Japan’s northern and southwestern territories.
Bottom Line:
The simultaneous operation of two Chinese aircraft carriers in the Pacific marks a historic moment in Beijing’s military development. It underscores China’s ambition to project power farther from its shores, sending a direct strategic challenge to Japan and the United States.