The Liaoning aircraft carrier battle group and the Type 075 amphibious assault ship fleet simultaneously appeared, "encircling" and pressuring Japan! Japanese media today sensationalized that the Liaoning conducted frequent fighter jet takeoffs and landings near Japan, while the Type 075 amphibious assault ship was also spotted—its scale surpassing Japan’s Izumo-class destroyers. The Japan Self-Defense Forces urgently deployed warships and P-3C Orion patrol aircraft in response.

Compared to previous instances, what shocked Japan’s Defense Ministry this time was their surprise at China deploying both the Liaoning fleet and the Type 075 amphibious assault ship together—a clear dual-deterrence posture toward Japan. According to information released by Japan’s Defense Ministry’s Joint Staff Office, the main points are as follows—

First, the Liaoning fleet appeared in the Western Pacific: On May 25, the Liaoning fleet was detected approximately 880 kilometers southwest of Okinotorishima Island. In addition to the Liaoning itself, the fleet included one Nanchang-class missile destroyer, one Luyang III-class missile destroyer, one Jiangkai III-class frigate, and one Type 901 high-speed combat supply ship.

On the 26th, Japan further confirmed that the Liaoning conducted aircraft takeoffs and landings, indicating a strong practical combat training orientation.

Second, China’s amphibious assault ship simultaneously entered the Pacific Ocean: Japan’s Defense Ministry reported that around 3 p.m. on May 22, two Chinese naval vessels were identified about 110 kilometers southwest of Kume Island. These included one 40,000-ton Type 075 Yushen-class amphibious assault ship (with combat capability exceeding Japan’s Izumo-class) and one Jiangkai II-class frigate escorting it. The two ships then passed through the strait between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island, heading southeast into the Pacific Ocean.

Third, Japan maintained full-scale monitoring throughout: The Japanese side urgently dispatched frigates and P-3C reconnaissance aircraft for tracking, reporting updates daily, and remaining highly vigilant against any potential breakthrough by China’s navy beyond the First Island Chain.

Japanese media particularly emphasized that the Yushen-class amphibious assault ship is equipped with a full-length flight deck similar to an aircraft carrier, displacing about 40,000 tons—its size even exceeds that of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Izumo-class destroyers.

The Yushen-class is the NATO designation for China’s Type 075 amphibious assault ship, marking China’s first domestically developed amphibious assault vessel. With a full-load displacement of approximately 40,000 tons, it possesses formidable long-range, multi-dimensional deployment capabilities. Since the commissioning of its first ship in 2021, it has become the core equipment of China’s amphibious warfare forces. Recent public activities indicate it now has the ability to operate in coordinated formations for overseas deployments.

What does the simultaneous appearance of the Liaoning aircraft carrier battle group and the Type 075 amphibious assault ship fleet in the Western Pacific signify?

The PLA’s actions convey three major signals. First, long-range combat capability has become routine. The Liaoning fleet advancing into the Western Pacific and conducting carrier-based aircraft operations represent regular annual training, signaling that the Chinese Navy has achieved stable capability to break through the First Island Chain and conduct offensive and defensive operations far from home—no longer confined to near-sea defense.

Second, combined with the Taiwan authorities’ stubbornly persistent wrong stance on cross-strait issues, this “double encirclement” of Japan directly targets critical channels in the Taiwan Strait and the Western Pacific. In wartime, it could sever Japan’s maritime lifeline and block U.S.-Japan reinforcement routes to Taiwan, sending a clear warning to “Taiwan independence” forces and external interference actors.

Third, this demonstrates the maturing of the PLA’s long-range, systematized combat power. The combination of aircraft carrier + destroyer + frigate + amphibious assault ship + replenishment ship forms a complete operational chain covering air superiority, sea control, land attack, and long-range logistics support—delivering significant real-world deterrence.

Is Japan afraid? Of course it is. Ninety percent of Japan’s resources rely on maritime transport, and the route from Okinawa — Taiwan Strait — Luzon Strait constitutes its core energy and trade artery. Chinese naval activities in this region amount to choking Japan’s “throat.”

The Taiwan authorities have loudly proclaimed that “if there’s trouble in Taiwan, it’s also trouble for Japan,” claiming that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait would affect Okinawa. Now, with the PLA’s carrier strike group and Type 095 large destroyers simultaneously advancing into the Western Pacific, they directly threaten the security of Japan’s southwestern islands. In wartime, Japan may find itself unable to protect even its own territory.

Japan has long relied on the United States, using the First Island Chain to contain China. But China’s navy’s routine passage through the Miyako Strait and forward deployment into the Western Pacific means the island chain blockade has been effectively breached, leading to a collapse of Japan’s strategic sense of security.

In fact, the Liaoning’s forward deployment into the Western Pacific has occurred for years—part of the regular training for China’s navy to go blue-water. However, this time, the synchronized operation of two task groups (carrier + amphibious assault ship) near Japan’s southwestern waters clearly targets Japan’s provocations regarding Taiwan, carrying a strong deterrent message.

After President Trump’s visit to China, the U.S. explicitly stated its “four no’s” on Taiwan (especially not supporting “Taiwan independence” or sending troops to fight for “Taiwan independence”), reflecting a strategic withdrawal from the Taiwan issue. Yet Japan still harbors fantasies of “tying Taiwan to its own fate and expanding its military strength.” At this moment, the PLA’s display of long-range combat power directly warns Japan: the Taiwan issue is China’s internal affair—any interference will be met with force—shattering Japan’s illusion of “using Taiwan to contain China.”

China is Japan’s largest trading partner. If Japan continues provoking on the Taiwan issue, China can retaliate across trade, investment, and supply chain domains. Coupling military action with diplomatic statements creates a comprehensive strategy of “military show of strength + diplomatic warning + potential economic countermeasures,” compelling Japan to rein in its provocations on Taiwan.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866334238856195/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.