Tokyo says it has conveyed an ‘appropriate message’ to Beijing over vessels’ movements.
Japan’s Ministry of Defence reported that two Chinese aircraft carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning, were seen simultaneously conducting drills within Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), prompting Tokyo to enhance surveillance. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that China’s increasing maritime activity seems aimed at extending operational reach, while the Chinese Foreign Ministry defended the movements as lawful and urged Japan to adopt a rational perspective. Japan has communicated its concerns to China regarding these developments.