NHK has learned that a Chinese aircraft carrier briefly entered Japan’s contiguous zone early on Wednesday.
Sources say the Liaoning sailed between two islands, Yonaguni and Iriomote, in Okinawa Prefecture, southwestern Japan.
This is the first time for a Chinese naval aircraft carrier to navigate in Japan’s contiguous zone.
A contiguous zone is just outside a country’s territorial waters. Under international law, vessels from other countries are allowed to travel in the contiguous zone.
But the law stipulates that the coastal state can take necessary measures to prevent illegal acts in its territorial waters.
In December 2022, the landing and departing of fighters and helicopters from the Liaoning was spotted when the ship was in the Pacific south of Okinawa.
Japan’s Defense Ministry is analyzing the objective of the Liaoning’s latest move and monitoring the vessel.