China's state broadcaster CCTV reported on 22/6 that the Liaoning aircraft carrier strike group returned to its homeport of Qingdao after 40 days of long-range combat exercises. During this period, Japanese warships and aircraft repeatedly monitored, harassed, and provoked Chinese forces at close range, though CCTV did not specify the exact time or location of these incidents.
A video released by CCTV showed a Japanese Akizuki-class destroyer moving in parallel with Chinese warships, at times appearing to cut in front of them. Several Japanese patrol aircraft also circled the operating area of the Chinese fleet.
The Liaoning strike group maintained high alert throughout the exercise, conducting aircraft sorties and flexibly changing combat formations. CCTV stated that Chinese forces handled what it described as "dangerous actions" from Japan professionally and cautiously.
On the same day, Japan's Ministry of Defense Staff Office denied the accusation that its forces "harassed the Liaoning strike group", labeling the information as false.
The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) stated it would maintain a calm, resolute stance with safety as a top priority. The JSDF affirmed its commitment to diligently and professionally monitor and track the seas and airspace around Japan, sparing no effort to ensure the country's sovereignty and security.
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Location of the Miyako Strait and surrounding area. Graphic: Straits Times |
Japan's Ministry of Defense previously announced it had deployed P-3C patrol aircraft to monitor the Liaoning aircraft carrier and its two escort destroyers as the Chinese strike group passed through the Miyako Strait and entered the East China Sea.
This encounter marks the latest tense development between Japan and China. According to experts, Tokyo's denial of Beijing's accusation is an unusual move, appearing to be part of Japan's response to China's increasing military activity in the region.
Sino-Japanese tensions have escalated since 11/2025, following a statement by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. She suggested that an attack on Taiwan could constitute a "life-threatening situation" for Japan, compelling the country to take military action.
China views Taiwan as territory awaiting unification and prioritizes peaceful means, but it affirms readiness to use force if necessary.
In 12/2025, Tokyo accused a Chinese J-15 fighter jet of activating its fire-control radar and locking onto a Japanese fighter. Japan called this a "dangerous act, exceeding what is necessary for flight safety". China countered that the J-15 only used its surveillance radar during training and criticized the Japanese aircraft for disrupting its drills.
Nguyen Tien (According to CCTV, Japan Times, AFP)
