Chinese aircraft carrier trains near Okinawa... Japan Self-Defense Forces fighter jets scramble urgently

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] After Japan declared on the 16th that it would possess "counterattack capabilities," a Chinese fleet has been conducting a show of force near Japan. In response, Japanese Self-Defense Force fighter jets scrambled urgently.

Japan's Joint Staff Office (equivalent to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff) announced on the 18th that a fleet consisting of five ships?including the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning, two missile destroyers, one frigate, and one high-speed combat support ship?was navigating around 260 km southwest of Okidaito Island, Okinawa Prefecture, at approximately 11 a.m. on the 17th.

The Joint Staff Office stated that in response, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force escort ship Kirisame monitored the movements of the Chinese fleet, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets scrambled urgently to respond.

The fleet led by the Liaoning passed between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island on the 16th and proceeded south from the East China Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Subsequently, the Liaoning's carrier-based fighter jets and helicopters conducted takeoff and landing training for about six hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 17th.

Meanwhile, on the 16th, Japan decided to revise three major security documents that include strengthening defense capabilities, such as possessing "counterattack capabilities" capable of striking enemy missile bases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.