Japan has raised strong concerns over recent large-scale naval drills conducted by China near its territorial waters, citing an increased risk of military escalation and accidental conflict.
For the first time, China deployed both of its active aircraft carriers—the Shandong and the Liaoning—in simultaneous military exercises in the western Pacific Ocean.
Japan’s Defense Ministry released detailed maps showing the carriers’ movements between May 25 and June 12.
The warships were spotted near Okinawa and within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), prompting official protests from Tokyo.
According to the Japanese Defense Ministry, over 500 sorties involving Chinese fighter jets and helicopters were launched during the exercises.
Officials also reported multiple near-miss incidents involving Chinese aircraft dangerously tailing Japanese surveillance planes.
One incident on June 7, saw a Chinese jet follow a Japanese plane for 40 minutes. A similar encounter took place the following day.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, condemned these maneuvers as “abnormal approaches,” warning that they could easily result in unintentional clashes.
China, on the other hand, defended the drills as lawful and routine.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused Japan of provocation through close reconnaissance operations and urged Tokyo to stop “dangerous moves.”
These developments coincide with progress on China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is expected to enter service later this year.
This will be the first Chinese carrier to use electromagnetic catapult systems—technology that previously only the U.S. Navy possessed.
The display of naval power follows earlier Chinese exercises in February in the Tasman Sea.
Those drills were criticized by Australia and New Zealand for a lack of transparency.
Although Australia later acknowledged their legality, Defence Minister Richard Marles described China’s activities as an “extraordinary military buildup.”
The escalation in China’s naval exercises has further heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Japan, which has been increasing its defense cooperation with the United States, has warned that such aggressive maneuvers pose a serious threat to regional stability.
Security analysts say the dual carrier drills are Beijing’s message to regional powers that it can now conduct sustained, multi-carrier operations in contested waters.
Tokyo has vowed to monitor developments closely and maintain high vigilance.