China’s Liaoning Carrier Conducts 170 Landings Near Japan, June 12

China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning conducted 170 takeoffs and landings over three days in late May south of Miyako Island, according to Japan’s Defense Ministry. The carrier operated 1,090 kilometers southwest of Izu Oshima on May 26, then moved closer to Miyako Island over the following two days. The drills occurred outside Japanese territorial waters but raised concerns about Beijing’s military readiness for a potential Taiwan conflict.

How the Drills Unfolded

The Liaoning carrier group conducted operations from May 26 to 28 in the Pacific Ocean south and southwest of Miyako Island. On May 26, the carrier completed about 80 takeoffs and landings. May 27 saw roughly 50 operations, and May 28 brought approximately 40, totaling 170 aircraft movements. The carrier traveled with escort ships including Renhai-class destroyers, Luyang III-class destroyers, Jiangkai III-class frigates, and a Fuyu-class supply ship. Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Asahi monitored the activity throughout the three-day period.

Why This Matters for Japan

The drills occurred in international waters where China faces no legal restrictions under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Japan’s territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles from its coast, while its exclusive economic zone reaches 200 nautical miles. The Liaoning operated in the exclusive economic zone and beyond, leaving Japan limited options beyond surveillance. Defense University researcher Itoh Ryuta warned that China’s actions, though legal, normalize military operations that prepare for a Taiwan contingency. The repeated operations signal Beijing’s intent to make carrier deployments routine rather than exceptional.

China’s Long-Term Strategy

The Liaoning’s operations fit a broader pattern of Chinese military expansion. The Strategic International Studies Center reported that in 2025, the Liaoning and carrier Shandong operated outside the first island chain for 58 days combined, up from 32 days in 2024. China aims to project power across the second island chain and into the Western Pacific. The drills allow Beijing to practice the operational cycles needed for sustained carrier warfare while also signaling to Japan, the Philippines, and the United States that Chinese forces can operate freely in these waters. Taiwan sits at the center of this strategic zone, with the Eastern approaches offering potential escape routes and resupply corridors during any conflict.

The Political Message

China’s Defense Ministry stated the drills aimed to improve carrier combat capability and were not directed at any specific country. However, analysts note the timing coincides with Japan and the Philippines beginning maritime boundary negotiations. The operations serve a dual purpose: militarily, they build crew proficiency; politically, they test how Japan and its allies respond. If Japan reacts strongly, Beijing portrays it as escalation. If Japan remains passive, Beijing signals to regional partners that Tokyo cannot stop Chinese operations. This legal gray zone allows China to advance its military position without triggering formal international violations.

Final Thoughts

China’s carrier drills demonstrate Beijing’s commitment to normalizing military operations in the Western Pacific beyond Japan’s reach. The legal framework constrains Tokyo’s response options, making sustained deterrence through defense posture and alliance coordination the primary countermeasure.

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