Japan's Defense Ministry says it confirmed on Wednesday that three Chinese naval vessels, including the aircraft carrier Shandong, have been sailing in the Pacific Ocean, south of Okinawa Prefecture.
China's first domestically built carrier was commissioned in December 2019. This is the first time the vessel has been observed in the Pacific Ocean.
The ministry said on Thursday that the Maritime Self-Defense Force spotted the Shandong, a frigate and another ship traveling eastward in waters about 300 kilometers south of Hateruma Island on Wednesday evening.
A photo released by the ministry shows several fighter jets and helicopters lined up on the Shandong's deck.
Taiwan's defense ministry said on Wednesday that the same aircraft carrier had passed through the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines.
The Chinese navy currently operates two aircraft carriers -- the Shandong and the Liaoning. The Liaoning conducted takeoff and landing drills in the Pacific Ocean last December and in January.
Japanese Defense Ministry officials say they believe China is trying to improve the carriers' operational capabilities.
The Shandong was spotted before the meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy.
The Japanese ministry said it will remain on the alert while closely monitoring the situation.
China's first domestically built carrier was commissioned in December 2019. This is the first time the vessel has been observed in the Pacific Ocean.
The ministry said on Thursday that the Maritime Self-Defense Force spotted the Shandong, a frigate and another ship traveling eastward in waters about 300 kilometers south of Hateruma Island on Wednesday evening.
A photo released by the ministry shows several fighter jets and helicopters lined up on the Shandong's deck.
Taiwan's defense ministry said on Wednesday that the same aircraft carrier had passed through the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines.
The Chinese navy currently operates two aircraft carriers -- the Shandong and the Liaoning. The Liaoning conducted takeoff and landing drills in the Pacific Ocean last December and in January.
Japanese Defense Ministry officials say they believe China is trying to improve the carriers' operational capabilities.
The Shandong was spotted before the meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy.
The Japanese ministry said it will remain on the alert while closely monitoring the situation.
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Summary
Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong, accompanied by two other naval vessels, was observed in the Pacific Ocean south of Okinawa Prefecture by Japan's Defense Ministry. This is the first time the domestic Chinese carrier has been seen in this region. The ships were spotted eastward, about 300
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ID: ce3e76dd-af13-4dbc-94e3-f6cd411975d1
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230406_18/
Date: April 6, 2023
Created: 2023/04/06 19:04
Updated: 2025/12/09 05:19
Last Read: 2025/12/08 16:57