Taipei
For the first time, China has deployed two aircraft carriers—the Liaoning and the Shandong—simultaneously in the Western Pacific, crossing the second island chain. This move marks a major step in China’s strategy to expand its naval reach and influence. Taiwanese officials say the operation aims to showcase China’s growing control over key sea routes and pressure regional nations to reconsider their security ties with democratic allies.
The activity has drawn serious attention from the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Japan’s Defense Ministry reported the Liaoning near Minamitori Island on June 7, and the Shandong in Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone near Okinotorishima two days later, just 1,700 km from Tokyo.
Since May 19, both carrier groups have conducted aggressive drills with supporting warships and supply vessels. The Liaoning carried out mock air attacks and patrols in the East China and Yellow seas, while the Shandong moved from northeast of the Philippines toward Japan's southwest islands, before circling back through the Balintang Channel.
Analysts say these maneuvers go beyond defensive posturing, hinting at China's aim to project power toward the third island chain. The deployment follows criticism at the Shangri-La Dialogue (May 30–June 1) over China’s regional behavior. In response to UK-led freedom of navigation operations in mid-June, China launched combat readiness drills with over 70 aircraft.
Amid rising tension, Japan and South Korea have protested China's growing military activity in contested waters, warning of Beijing’s intent to treat nearby seas as internal territory.