Chinese carrier sails near Japanese islands, raising tensions

By AJP Posted : September 19, 2024, 11:08 Updated : September 19, 2024, 11:08
This photo shows Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning top and two Luyang III-class missile destroyers number 120 at centre and number 123 at bottom at sea in waters near Japans southern Okinawa region Sept 18 2024 Courtesy of Japans Ministry of Defense Joint Staff Office Public Relations AFP - Yonhap
This photo shows Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning (top) and two Luyang III-class missile destroyers at sea in waters near Japan's southern Okinawa region on Sept. 18, 2024. Courtesy of Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff Office Public Relations, AFP-Yonhap
SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - China's aircraft carrier Liaoning and two accompanying destroyers entered waters near Japan's southern islands on Wednesday, Japan's Defense Ministry reported. This incident marks the Chinese Navy's fourth occurrence this year.

The Chinese vessels traversed the contiguous zone, an area extending 24 nautical miles from shore, between Okinawa Prefecture's Yonaguni and Iriomote islands. While not violating Japan's territorial waters, the move prompted Tokyo to express "serious concerns" to Beijing.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshi Moriya told reporters at a press conference that such actions are "utterly unacceptable in terms of our nation's security environment."

The maritime maneuver comes amid heightened friction following a Chinese military surveillance aircraft's intrusion into Japanese airspace over the East China Sea in late August. Yonaguni, Japan's westernmost island, lies about 150 kilometers southwest of the disputed Senkaku Islands, which are controlled by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing.

In response to the incident, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian defended the carrier's passage, saying it was "in compliance with China's domestic and international laws." The Liaoning, a refurbished Russian-made vessel commissioned in 2012, features a distinctive "ski-jump" takeoff ramp for launching aircraft.
기사 이미지 확대 보기
닫기