The flotilla, which included two Luyang III-class missile destroyers, sailed southwards through the waters between the islands on Tuesday and Wednesday…reports Asian Lite News
A Chinese aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan for the first time, as confirmed by Japan’s military on Wednesday. The passage, which occurred between Yonaguni and Iriomote islands, is the latest in a series of assertive moves by Beijing that have alarmed Japan, a close US ally. The area is close to the disputed Senkaku Islands, known as Diaoyu in China, which have long been a flashpoint between the two nations.
The flotilla, which included two Luyang III-class missile destroyers, sailed southwards through the waters between the islands on Tuesday and Wednesday. Japan’s defense ministry noted that this was the first time a Chinese aircraft carrier had been observed passing through these particular waters. Local media, citing unnamed defense sources, reported that the carrier had entered Japan’s contiguous waters, an area where a country can exert some control, although this is not yet fully confirmed by Japan’s defense ministry.
Taiwan also reported that the same Chinese naval formation had passed through waters northeast of the self-governed island on its way toward Japan’s Yonaguni Island. The movements come amid heightened tensions in the region, with China’s increasing military presence and assertiveness causing concern among the US and its allies, particularly in territorial disputes.
Incidents involving Chinese and Japanese vessels, especially around the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, have become frequent. In recent years, Japanese fighter jets have been scrambled multiple times in response to incursions by Chinese aircraft, with Tokyo calling a Chinese military aircraft incursion in August a “serious violation” of its sovereignty.
In response to these growing threats, Japan has been boosting its defense spending and enhancing its military capabilities, including counter-strike abilities. Japan is also strengthening its defense partnerships, notably with the Philippines, and has supported regional security by providing patrol vessels and other military assistance to neighboring countries.
ALSO READ: Afghanistan reopens its embassy in Oman