Japan Raises Alarm Over Unprecedented Chinese Naval Drills Near Its Waters

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: Tessa Wong, REUTERS

Japan has expressed deep concern over unprecedented military exercises conducted by China’s two aircraft carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning, in the Pacific Ocean drills that brought Chinese fighter jets dangerously close to Japanese surveillance aircraft and prompted Tokyo to file a formal diplomatic protest with Beijing.

For the first time in recent history, the Japanese Ministry of Defense took the rare step of publicly disclosing the movements of foreign military forces, releasing a detailed map tracing the path of the Chinese carriers from May 25 to June 16. The drills involved more than 500 takeoffs and landings by Chinese fighter jets and helicopters and included maneuvers near and within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The map, published Tuesday, shows both carriers operating perilously close to Japanese territory and, in a significant development, the Liaoning sailing past the so-called "second island chain" a key defensive line that stretches from Japan to Guam. This is believed to be the first instance of a Chinese aircraft carrier crossing that boundary, a move seen by defense analysts as a direct challenge to U.S. and Japanese military influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Close Encounters Raise Collision Fears

Tensions escalated earlier this month when Chinese fighter jets shadowed Japanese surveillance planes for prolonged periods. On June 7, a jet launched from the Shandong reportedly followed a Japanese aircraft for about 40 minutes. The following day, another Chinese jet flew dangerously close for nearly 80 minutes, crossing directly in front of the Japanese plane.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that Tokyo had conveyed its “serious concerns” to Beijing, warning that such “abnormal approaches” could lead to accidental collisions.

Beijing, however, has dismissed the criticism, saying its activities are “in accordance with international law.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian instead accused Japan of conducting “dangerous close-in reconnaissance” that increases regional security risks.

“China urges Japan to stop those dangerous moves,” Lin said during a press briefing on Tuesday, adding that communication channels between the two governments remain open.

China’s Carrier Ambitions Surge Forward

As the Shandong and Liaoning continue operations in the western Pacific, China also announced progress on its most advanced warship to date the Fujian, its first carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults. This cutting-edge launch system, previously only employed by U.S. carriers, allows for faster, more efficient deployment of heavier aircraft with full combat loads.

A report in the Global Times, a Chinese state-run outlet, claimed the Fujian would offer “significantly higher sortie rates” and would soon enter active service following successful sea trials.

Rising Regional Tensions

China’s growing naval assertiveness has prompted concern across the Indo-Pacific. In February, Beijing conducted exercises in the Tasman Sea that triggered criticism from Australia and New Zealand, who said the Chinese military failed to give adequate notice and disrupted commercial air traffic.

While Australia’s defense minister acknowledged the drills were within legal boundaries, he described them as part of China’s “extraordinary military build-up,” and called for greater transparency.

Meanwhile, the United States has reiterated its commitment to the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in May that Washington “will not be pushed out of Asia,” and vowed to support allies in the region. However, the departure of the USS Nimitz from the South China Sea to respond to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has raised questions about America’s ability to maintain a simultaneous global presence.

Analyst: China Testing US-Japan Alliance

Kazuto Suzuki, a professor at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Public Policy, said China is “testing the waters” of the U.S.-Japan military alliance while the U.S. is focused on the Middle East.

“China sees this as an opportunity to escalate. It’s a step-by-step, calculated move to probe Japan’s coastal defense,” Suzuki said. “They are testing Japan’s patience and attention.”

As China’s military reach expands and tensions rise in multiple global theaters, Tokyo faces renewed pressure to reinforce its defensive posture while maintaining diplomatic channels with its powerful neighbor.