China’s Aircraft Carrier "Liaoning" Enters Japan’s Easternmost EEZ for the First Time｜Rising Tensions in the Western Pacific

China’s Aircraft Carrier "Liaoning" Enters Japan’s Easternmost EEZ for the First Time｜Rising Tensions in the Western Pacific

June 9, 2025｜Source: Stars and Stripes

On Saturday, June 8, 2025, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy’s aircraft carrier "Liaoning" entered Japan’s easternmost Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for the first time. This move further heightens vigilance from Japan and its allies amid growing maritime power competition in the Western Pacific.

Activity Confirmed off Minamitorishima

According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense's Joint Staff Office, "Liaoning" was spotted approximately 185 miles (about 300 km) southwest of Minamitorishima, a Japanese territory. The carrier was accompanied by two guided missile cruisers and one fast combat support ship. These vessels were first identified around 6:00 PM on June 8, and aircraft takeoff and landing operations from the carrier were also observed on the following day.

Importance of Japan’s EEZ and Strategic Value of Minamitorishima

Minamitorishima (Marcus Island) is a remote atoll about 1,500 miles (2,400 km) from Tokyo and serves as a critical geopolitical base for extending Japan’s EEZ. Although the island itself is only 1.2 square kilometers in size, it grants Japan control over approximately 430,000 square kilometers of EEZ, which is believed to contain valuable rare earth resources (reference: EEZ definition).

This maritime area is also crucial for Japan’s resource strategy, defense line, and submarine communications cable network.

International Maritime Law and the Limits of Sovereignty

Under international law, the EEZ is different from "territorial waters" in that coastal nations only have limited rights related to natural resources. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, an EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 km) from the baseline and grants special jurisdiction over fishing, seabed resources, and environmental protection.

However, the passage and activity of foreign military ships within the EEZ is permitted under international law. Thus, the Liaoning’s entry is not considered an "illegal act." That said, it undoubtedly represents an increase in military presence requiring enhanced monitoring from Japan.

Monitoring from Sasebo Base and China’s Strategic Intent

This series of navigational activities is believed to be part of China’s long-term "Blue Water Navy" ambitions. Japan has been monitoring the Liaoning’s movements using the missile destroyer "JS Haguro" deployed in Sasebo, documenting its flight operations and other activity.

Notably, the Liaoning also passed through the East China Sea and the Miyako Strait between May 25 and 30, conducting aircraft training exercises in the Western Pacific before heading south.

Geopolitical Implications and Japan’s Response

This incursion may influence Japan’s defense and foreign policy strategies in connection with ongoing military tensions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. In particular, China’s actions are likely to attract further scrutiny from the Japan-U.S. alliance promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

Future diplomatic and military responses will likely be closely analyzed by domestic and international experts and defense officials.

Conclusion: A New Challenge for Japan’s Maritime Defense

The Liaoning’s latest activity symbolizes the growing clash between China’s maritime expansion and Japan’s focus on securing sea lanes and resources. Within the legal framework of the EEZ, how Japan responds will be key moving forward.

We will continue to report updates on this issue via the FIXIO Blog.