Fact Check: China's Liaoning carrier entered Japan's exclusive economic zone for the first time.

Fact Check: "China's Liaoning carrier entered Japan's exclusive economic zone for the first time."

What We Know

On June 7, 2025, Japan's Defense Ministry confirmed that the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning entered Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for the first time. This event marked a significant escalation in China's naval operations, as the Liaoning was reported to have sailed inside the EEZ surrounding Minamitorishima, Japan's easternmost island, without violating Japanese territorial waters (Reuters, AP News). The Liaoning, along with another Chinese aircraft carrier, the Shandong, was operating in the Pacific, which has raised concerns in Japan regarding China's expanding military presence in the region (AP News, Stripes).

Analysis

The claim that the Liaoning entered Japan's EEZ for the first time is supported by multiple credible sources. The Japanese government officially reported this incident, emphasizing that while the carrier did not violate territorial waters, its presence in the EEZ was unprecedented (Reuters, Stripes). The Defense Ministry's spokesperson indicated that this move reflects China's efforts to enhance its operational capabilities in distant waters (Defense Post).

However, it is important to note that while this is the first confirmed entry of the Liaoning into Japan's EEZ, Chinese naval vessels have previously operated in the vicinity of Japan. The context of this event is critical; it occurs against a backdrop of increasing military activities by China in the Pacific, which has raised alarms in neighboring countries (AP News, The Guardian).

The reliability of the sources reporting this incident is high, as they include official statements from Japan's Defense Ministry and reputable news agencies such as Reuters and the Associated Press. These sources have a track record of accurate reporting on military and geopolitical issues.

Conclusion

The claim that "China's Liaoning carrier entered Japan's exclusive economic zone for the first time" is Partially True. While it is accurate that the Liaoning entered the EEZ for the first time, it is essential to contextualize this event within the broader scope of China's naval activities in the region. The entry into the EEZ does not constitute a violation of Japanese territorial waters, but it does signify a notable shift in China's naval operations and raises concerns about regional security.

Fact Check: China's Liaoning carrier entered Japan's exclusive economic zone for the first time.