The Chinese Navy has demonstrated its capability to project sea and air power beyond its territorial waters by sending warships into the Pacific Ocean, marking a significant expansion of its military reach.
For the first time, two Chinese aircraft carriers conducted joint exercises in the Pacific, as confirmed by Japan's defense minister, Gen Nakatani. The exercise involved the Liaoning and Shandong carriers, which were observed launching and retrieving jet fighters east of the Japanese island of Iwo Jima, approximately 750 miles south of Tokyo. The Japanese navy has been monitoring these operations, which began on Saturday.
This joint exercise represents the first occasion that China's two active-duty aircraft carriers and their accompanying ships have operated together in the Pacific beyond Japan's islands, which are referred to by Beijing as the First Island Chain.
In an effort to extend its naval capabilities, China has been enhancing its navy by adding aircraft carriers, which can project military force over greater distances. In addition to the Liaoning and Shandong, China is in the process of commissioning a third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is currently undergoing sea trials, while a fourth carrier is under construction.
The deployment of these Chinese warships beyond Japan indicates a potential challenge to both Japan and the United States for control of the western Pacific during a crisis. Should the United States deploy naval forces from Hawaii, the West Coast, or Guam, those vessels would need to navigate through waters near China’s operations to reach Japan or Taiwan. The United States has committed to defending Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.
Currently, Chinese aircraft carriers are smaller and have a lower aircraft capacity compared to the United States' 11 large nuclear-powered carriers. This military buildup has prompted Japan to construct its first small aircraft carriers since World War II, which will be equipped to carry U.S.-made F-35B stealth fighters.
Hisako Ueno contributed reporting from Tokyo.