What the discovery of Chinese warships in the Pacific signals about Beijing's intentions
The Japanese navy spotted two Chinese aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, operating simultaneously in the Pacific Ocean, marking the first such occurrence and signalling China's intent to expand its naval capabilities.
The Shandong strike group was seen operating fighter jets and helicopters about 500km southwest of Iwo Jima, while the Liaoning group was located 300km southwest of Minamitori Island.
The carriers were beyond Japan's second chain islands, a strategic group of islands in the West Pacific seen as the second line of defence against potential Chinese military escalation.
Japan dispatched warships and aircraft to monitor the Chinese operations, with defence minister Gen Nakatani stating Japan's commitment to deter any forceful changes to the regional status quo.
China's foreign ministry defended the presence of its aircraft carriers, asserting that the activities are consistent with international law.
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