Image Credit: Global Times
On Wednesday, the aircraft carrier Liaoning of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy embarked on an exercise in the West Pacific, sparking varied responses from Taiwan and Japan. The PLA Navy’s operation involved the Liaoning, accompanied by two Type 052D destroyers, navigating through waters northeast of Taiwan before proceeding southeast of Yonaguni Island, Japan.
The defence authority in Taiwan issued a statement detailing the PLA Navy’s route, while Japan’s Ministry of Defence Joint Staff reported the carrier’s movement near Diaoyu Dao on Tuesday. The Japanese press release highlighted that this marked the first instance of a PLA Navy aircraft carrier navigating the region. Reuters furthermore, noted that the Chinese vessel had entered Japan’s contiguous waters for the first time.
On Wednesday, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to queries regarding the Liaoning’s voyage into Okinawa’s contiguous zone. Jian deferred to the relevant Chinese authorities for specific details but emphasised that the manoeuvre adhered to both Chinese domestic and international laws.
Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military expert, commented to the Global Times that despite the narrowness of the strait between Yonaguni and Iriomote islands, it remains a recognised international waterway. Fu asserted that the PLA Navy’s passage through the strait was legitimate. He also noted that the exercise demonstrated China’s capability to traverse various routes beyond the Miyako Strait, indicating multiple strategic passages through the first island chain into the West Pacific.
This development underscores China’s expanding naval presence in the region, which continues to be a point of tension and interest among neighbouring nations.