Japan expressed serious concern as a Chinese aircraft carrier entered its “contiguous waters” for the first time. The Liaoning carrier, accompanied by two destroyers, sailed between Yonaguni and Iriomote islands, breaching Japan’s defense ministry’s designated zone.
Chinese warships also passed through the route, increasing tensions between the two countries. “Contiguous waters” are areas beyond a state’s territorial sea where limited sovereign rights apply, such as customs enforcement.
Deputy Secretary General Hiroshi Moriya condemned the incident, calling it a threat to national security. Japan plans to closely monitor China’s military activities in the region.
To strengthen defenses, Tokyo has fortified its southwest areas, including strategically important remote islands. The escalating military presence in the region adds to existing tensions between the two Asian powers.
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