China’s naval presence is pushing boundaries like never before.
On Saturday evening, the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning, accompanied by two missile destroyers and a supply ship, crossed into Japanese waters for the first time.
The unprecedented move has sent ripples through Tokyo, heightening fears over Beijing’s expanding military reach in the Pacific.
The Carrier Entered EEZ?
The Liaoning carrier group briefly entered these sensitive waters—around 300 kilometers southwest of Minamitori—before pulling back to conduct military drills.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi was cautious in his response.
While he did not confirm a formal protest, he said Tokyo had “conveyed an appropriate message to the Chinese side.” He also stressed Japan’s commitment to vigilance, promising to “perform our warning and surveillance duties at sea and in the air.”
Why The Region is Crucial?
Minamitori, though mostly uninhabited except for a small number of defense and meteorological personnel, is strategically crucial.
The seabed surrounding the island contains rich deposits of rare metals, including around 200 million tonnes of manganese nodules, making it a prized location amid regional tensions.
