[Source/Observer Network Xiong Chaoyan] On June 8 and 9, the Japanese Ministry of Defense Joint Staff released information stating that over the weekend, Japan discovered two Chinese aircraft carriers — Liaoning and Shandong — in the West Pacific. The Nikkei Asia reported that this was the first time Japan had confirmed both Chinese aircraft carriers operating simultaneously in the West Pacific.

The first notification from the Japanese Ministry of Defense Joint Staff on June 8 stated that around 6 PM on June 7, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force confirmed that the Liaoning aircraft carrier strike group, including the Type 052D destroyer Tangshan (hull number 122), Type 055 destroyer Wuxi (hull number 104), and comprehensive supply ship Honglunhu (hull number 901), was sailing in the sea area about 300 kilometers southwest of South Bird Island.

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force also confirmed that the Liaoning conducted takeoff and landing operations for carrier-based fighter jets and helicopters on June 8. Additionally, the Liaoning carried out takeoff and landing operations for carrier-based fighter jets and helicopters in the East China Sea from May 25 to May 26, passed through the waters between Okinawa Main Island and Miyako Island on May 27 heading southeast, conducted takeoff and landing operations for carrier-based fighter jets and helicopters in the Pacific Ocean from May 27 to May 29, and then headed south in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines on May 30.

Japanese photographs of our aircraft carrier Liaoning and its strike group trajectory (red points indicate the activity positions of the Liaoning strike group, where it appeared approximately 300 kilometers southwest of South Bird Island on June 7) Japanese Ministry of Defense Joint Staff

The second notification from the Japanese Ministry of Defense Joint Staff on June 9 stated that around 1 PM on June 7, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force confirmed that the Shandong aircraft carrier strike group, including the Type 055 destroyer Zunyi (hull number 107), Type 054A frigate Yuncheng (hull number 571), Type 054A frigate Hengshui (hull number 572), and comprehensive supply ship Weishanhu (hull number 903), was sailing in the sea area about 550 kilometers southeast of Miyako Island.

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force also confirmed that the Shandong conducted takeoff and landing operations for carrier-based fighter jets and helicopters on June 9.

Japanese photographs of our aircraft carrier Shandong and its strike group trajectory Japanese Ministry of Defense Joint Staff

According to military commentator Wang Shiwei of the Observer Network, this is the first time that China's navy has sent dual aircraft carrier strike groups outside the first island chain toward the Pacific, holding historical significance. This dual aircraft carrier deployment outside the first island chain has three major highlights:

First, this marks the first time that the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers have appeared simultaneously in the Pacific in combat formation, showcasing the new level of practical combat capability of China's navy aircraft carrier strike groups. Previously, both of China's aircraft carriers have demonstrated powerful practical combat capabilities outside the first island chain, but this is the first time that an aircraft carrier strike group has approached the second island chain. Simultaneous practical combat operations by dual aircraft carrier strike groups can either "jointly cover" to double the number and combinations of carrier-based aircraft, making them even stronger; or they can "mutually support each other," with two aircraft carriers appearing simultaneously in two directions, leaving foreign militaries struggling to cope. This strong presence of a great naval power not only showcases the new face of the Chinese Navy but also intimidates surrounding hostile forces.

Second, apart from the two aircraft carriers, multiple surface destroyers and frigates from three theater navies and six destroyer detachments have also been seen outside the first island chain in various directions. This demonstrates the new capabilities of the Chinese Navy and its determination to move into the open seas. Surface warships are important members of an aircraft carrier strike group responsible for long-range strikes and anti-air defense and missile interception. They can either accompany the strike group or act as forward support. Such surface warship formations are beyond the reach of foreign militaries and represent a unique model of our new era's ocean-going combat operations.

Third, the two aircraft carriers demonstrate the unique flexible deployment mode of China's aircraft carriers. Generally, countries with multiple aircraft carriers worldwide strictly follow the "one on duty, one training, one maintenance" dynamic deployment model, typically mobilizing only one-third of their aircraft carrier forces. However, China's two conventional-powered aircraft carriers dynamically deploy based on naval bases, with their operational patterns starkly different from those of foreign aircraft carriers. Both aircraft carriers simultaneously approaching the second island chain in combat posture showcase the formidable flexibility of China's aircraft carrier strike groups, making it harder for foreign militaries to predict our aircraft carrier force's operational patterns.

In 2024, at a certain sea area in the South China Sea, the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carrier strike groups conducted their first dual aircraft carrier strike group drill @ CCTV Military

Previously, regarding the first notification from the Japanese side on June 8 about the movements of the Liaoning aircraft carrier, Japanese media widely covered the event under headlines such as "Breakthrough to the vicinity of the second island chain, Chinese aircraft carrier arrives near Japan's easternmost island."

On June 8, Japanese media such as Kyodo News commented that this is the first appearance of the Liaoning aircraft carrier strike group near the vicinity of the second island chain, close to the sea area near Japan's easternmost South Bird Island.

Reuters also commented that as China continues to project military power further into the ocean, the deep penetration of the Pacific direction by Chinese aircraft carriers last weekend is the latest manifestation of China's naval capabilities, indicating that China's long-distance maritime activities are continuously strengthening.

Aside from aircraft carriers, since May, the Japanese Joint Staff has confirmed that at least three Type 055 destroyers, three Type 052D destroyers, and four Type 054A frigates have been active in the Pacific region outside the first island chain. Among these, the surface warships accompanying the Liaoning strike group include the Type 055 destroyer Nanchang (hull number 101), Wuxi; Type 052D destroyer Qiqihar (hull number 121), and Tangshan; Type 054A frigates Yantai (hull number 538).

In 2024, at a certain sea area in the South China Sea, the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carrier strike groups conducted their first dual aircraft carrier strike group drill @ CCTV Military

Despite being close to Guam, the U.S. military has not responded or commented on the activities of our Liaoning aircraft carrier.

Currently, the U.S. aircraft carrier fleet is not in the Guam direction. Satellite images from June 8 showed that the USS Nimitz was active west of Luzon Island in the Philippines, near our Scarborough Shoal northeast of the Philippines. The USS Washington (CVN-73) concluded trials in the Four Countries area and returned to Yokosuka Base to prepare for summer deployments.

Previously, in response to external hype about drills involving our Liaoning aircraft carrier, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense had already made a statement.

On May 29, a regular press conference was held by the Ministry of National Defense, where Major General Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, answered questions from reporters. A journalist asked: The Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning recently conducted takeoff and landing drills for carrier-based aircraft in the East China Sea. Japanese Self-Defense Forces officials stated that similar activities had been carried out before, but this time it was closer to Japan, so the Ministry of Defense decided to publicly announce it, which was also the first time such information was disclosed publicly. What comments does the spokesperson have on this?

Major General Zhang Xiaogang stated that the training of the Liaoning aircraft carrier strike group in relevant sea areas was not targeted at any specific country or object and complied with international law and practice. The actions of the Japanese side were somewhat excessive in reaction.

On June 9, the Foreign Ministry held a regular press briefing. At the meeting, a reporter from the Japanese Kyodo News asked: The Japanese government confirmed that the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning is active in the Pacific Ocean near Japan. What is the Chinese response to this?

To this, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian, responded that the activities of Chinese warships in relevant sea areas fully comply with international law and international practices. China consistently adheres to a defensive national defense policy and hopes that Japan will view this objectively and rationally.

This article is an exclusive piece by the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514158915517727247/

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