China's aircraft carrier 'Liaoning,' accompanied by escort ships, conducted operations in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines, with aircraft and helicopters taking off and landing more than 170 times amid regional tensions.
On 1 June 2026, Japan's Ministry of Defense revealed that the Chinese Navy deployed the aircraft carrier Liaoning and escort warships for maritime training exercises in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines last week. Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force detected the Liaoning and its accompanying fleet operating in waters east of Luzon Island, Philippines, between 26 and 28 May. The Ministry of Defense released a map showing the Chinese fleet's movement routes.
Japanese sources report that aircraft and helicopters based on the Liaoning conducted approximately 170 takeoffs and landings while the fleet operated in the western Pacific area. Additionally, the Chinese fleet moved close to the southeast area of Miyakojima Island, Okinawa Prefecture, at a distance of about 590 kilometers.
Japan's Ministry of Defense further stated that on Friday, the Liaoning was moving southeast along the Philippine route but did not disclose further details about its latest position.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense also reported closely monitoring the Liaoning's movements, noting that in April this year, the aircraft carrier passed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time since December. Reports indicate that China has increased military activity in the western Pacific Ocean recently, while security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines—key U.S. allies—has been continuously strengthening.
Source: Reuters