The Japanese Ministry of Defense has published a map of the positions of Chinese aircraft carriers, highlighting the unusual duration of their operations

On Tuesday evening, the Japanese Defense Ministry for the first time released a detailed map showing the positions of Chinese aircraft carriers from May 25 to Monday. This is a rare case when the Japanese department discloses the movements of foreign warships, which underscores Tokyo's concern about the unusually long and active operations of the Chinese navy in the region.

Since May, China has been demonstrating increased military activity in East Asia. For the first time, two Chinese aircraft carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning, are operating simultaneously in the Pacific Ocean. The Shandong conducted take-off and landing operations in the exclusive economic zone of Japan in the area of the second island chain connecting the Japanese islands of Ogasawara and the American island of Guam. Liaoning, in turn, crossed this second island chain for the first time and operated off the coast of Minamitorishima Island.

The Japanese Defense Ministry and the government have expressed concern about such actions, viewing them as a show of force and a warning to the United States and its allies. Japan has officially appealed to China not to turn its naval activities into a threat to the country's security. In response, Chinese representatives stated that the operations were routine training and were not directed against specific States.

The activity of Chinese aircraft carriers indicates Beijing's desire to expand its military capabilities beyond coastal waters and strengthen control over strategic sea routes in the Pacific Ocean. Japan, in turn, is increasing radar surveillance and diplomatic pressure to curb the growth of Chinese influence in the region.