China's Two Carriers Unleashed Pacific Power Play?

China's Growing Naval Power: Two Aircraft Carriers Operate Together in Pacific for First Time

In a move that has sparked considerable concern in Tokyo and across the region, Japan has confirmed that two Chinese aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, have operated together in the Pacific for the first time. This marks a significant milestone in China's rapidly expanding military activity far beyond its borders, and signals a potential shift in the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

Aircraft carriers are crucial for projecting power at a distance, and China's increased naval presence in the Pacific is being closely monitored. While China routinely sends coast guard vessels, warships, and warplanes to areas around the disputed East China Sea islands, this latest deployment extends its reach as far as the so-called second-island chain, which includes Guam – a U.S. territory. Previously, only a single Chinese carrier had ventured into the Pacific, and never east of that chain.

This development follows a recent incident where Japan expressed renewed concern over a Chinese fighter jet flying within an "abnormally close distance" from a Japanese reconnaissance aircraft after taking off from one of the carriers.

Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, views these dual carrier operations as a demonstration of China's "expansionist nature."

Key Takeaways from the Deployment:

• Unprecedented Joint Operation: This is the first time two Chinese aircraft carriers have operated together in the Pacific.
• Expanded Operational Range: The deployment signals China's ambition to project power further into the Pacific, potentially challenging the U.S. and its allies.
• Increased Regional Tensions: The move has heightened concerns in Japan and Taiwan, who view it as a sign of China's growing military assertiveness.

How the Carriers Operated:

Japan's Defense Ministry reported that the Liaoning and the Shandong operated near southern islands in the Pacific. Both operated in waters off Iwo Jima, approximately 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) south of Tokyo. The Liaoning also sailed inside Japan's exclusive economic zone of Minamitorishima, the country's easternmost island.

While there was no violation of Japanese territorial waters, Japan has expressed its "concern" to the Chinese embassy. Both carriers conducted take-off and landing drills with their warplanes.

Close Encounter Between Chinese and Japanese Aircraft:

On Wednesday, Japan's Defense Ministry reported a concerning incident where a Chinese J-15 fighter jet, taking off from the Shandong, approached a Japanese P-3C aircraft on reconnaissance duty within an "abnormally close distance" of 45 meters (50 yards).

Another Chinese jet reportedly crossed 900 meters (980 yards) in front of a Japanese P-3C. Japan has conveyed "serious concern" and a "solemn request" for preventive measures to China, highlighting the potential for accidental collisions.

Japan's Growing Concerns:

China's ongoing military buildup and expanding area of activity have significantly raised tensions in the region. The Chinese carriers sailed past the first-island chain and the Liaoning reached farther to the second-island chain, demonstrating China’s ability to challenge even the United States.

Defense Minister Gen Nakatani stated that China's aim is to "elevate its capability of the two aircraft carriers, and to advance its operational capability of the distant sea and airspace."

In response, Japan has been accelerating its military buildup, particularly since 2022, including the development of counter-strike capabilities with long-range cruise missiles as a deterrent to China.

China's Perspective:

The Chinese navy confirmed the deployments, describing them as part of routine training in the western Pacific "to test their capabilities in far seas protection and joint operations." They emphasized that the deployment was in compliance with international laws and not targeted at any specific country.

China is actively pursuing a vast military modernization program, with ambitions of creating a true "blue-water" naval force capable of operating at long ranges for extended periods. While China possesses the world's largest navy numerically, it still lags behind the United States in terms of aircraft carriers, with three compared to the U.S.'s eleven.

Technological Advancements and Future Implications:

The two Chinese carriers currently in the western Pacific utilize the older "ski-jump" launch method for aircraft. However, China's third carrier, the Fujian, launched in 2022 and is undergoing sea trials, employs a more modern, electromagnetic-type launch system. While all three ships are conventionally powered, there is evidence suggesting China is developing nuclear propulsion systems for its future carriers.

This first joint operation of two Chinese aircraft carriers in the Pacific is a clear indication of China's growing naval power and its ambition to project its influence further into the region. As China continues to modernize its military and expand its naval capabilities, the international community will be closely watching its actions and assessing the implications for regional stability and security. The incident serves as a crucial reminder of the need for continued dialogue and diplomacy to manage tensions and prevent miscalculations in this increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/japan-china-aircraft-carriers-pacific-military-explainer-9ff9ec57e0721dbcf11f88939a1f3fa8