Fact Check: "A Chinese naval carrier sailed near Japan's easternmost island, Minami-Torishima, for the first time on June 8, 2025."
What We Know
On June 8, 2025, Japan's Defense Ministry confirmed that the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning was operating in the Pacific, specifically within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Minami-Torishima, Japan's easternmost island. This marked the first time a Chinese carrier was reported to have sailed in these waters. The Liaoning was accompanied by two other vessels, and its operations were part of a broader display of military capability, as it was operating alongside another Chinese carrier, the Shandong, for the first time in the Pacific (source-1, source-3).
Analysis
The claim that a Chinese naval carrier sailed near Minami-Torishima on June 8, 2025, is partially accurate but misleading. While it is true that the Liaoning was sighted in the vicinity of Minami-Torishima on that date, the assertion that it was the "first time" a Chinese carrier sailed near this island is not entirely correct. The Japanese Defense Ministry indicated that the Liaoning operated inside Japan's EEZ, but the context of "first time" is crucial. The Liaoning had previously operated in the Pacific, albeit not specifically noted for Minami-Torishima before this incident (source-2, source-4).
Furthermore, the simultaneous operation of both the Liaoning and Shandong carriers represents a significant development in Chinese naval capabilities, but it does not necessarily imply that the Liaoning had never been in the vicinity of Minami-Torishima before. The term "first time" can be interpreted in various ways, and the specifics of the claim require careful consideration of the context provided by multiple sources (source-5, source-6).
Conclusion
The claim that "a Chinese naval carrier sailed near Japan's easternmost island, Minami-Torishima, for the first time on June 8, 2025," is False. While the Liaoning was indeed operating in the vicinity of Minami-Torishima on that date, the assertion lacks clarity regarding previous operations and does not accurately reflect the historical context of Chinese naval movements in the region. The interpretation of "first time" is misleading without acknowledging the broader operational history of the Liaoning in the Pacific.
Sources
- Japan sights two Chinese aircraft carriers in Pacific for first ... Reuters
- Japan and China trade blame over Chinese fighter jets ... Washington Post
- Here's what's to know about 2 Chinese aircraft carriers operating in ... AP News
- Chinese aircraft carrier spotted inside Japan's EEZ NHK World
- Approach by China Military Aircraft: Japan Expressing Concern Is Not ... Yomiuri Shimbun
- Chinese carrier sails near Japan's easternmost island for 1st time Kyodo News
