Fact Check: "The Japanese Defense Ministry reported on May 29, 2023, that the Shandong and its support ships had been exercising in the waters southeast of Miyako Island, marking the first time two Chinese carrier strike groups operated in the open Pacific."
What We Know
On May 29, 2023, the Japanese Defense Ministry confirmed that the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong and its support ships were conducting exercises in the waters southeast of Miyako Island, which is located in southern Okinawa Prefecture. This marked a significant development as it was reported to be the first time that two Chinese carrier strike groups, including the Shandong and the Liaoning, operated simultaneously in the open Pacific Ocean (CNN, USNI News).
The exercises were part of a broader pattern of increased Chinese naval activity in the region, which has raised concerns among neighboring countries and the United States. The Japanese officials noted that these operations demonstrate China's growing naval capabilities and its intent to project power beyond its immediate territorial waters (TWZ Newsletter, Breaking Defense).
Analysis
The claim that the Japanese Defense Ministry reported the exercises on May 29, 2023, is supported by multiple credible sources. The CNN report explicitly states that the Japanese Defense Ministry confirmed the presence of the Shandong and its support ships in the specified area, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of two Chinese carrier strike groups operating together in the Pacific.
Furthermore, the USNI News and Breaking Defense articles corroborate this information, detailing the strategic implications of such exercises and the context of China's military ambitions in the region. The reports highlight that this event signifies a shift in the operational capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), which is increasingly able to conduct operations far from its home shores.
The sources used are reputable, including major news outlets and defense analysis platforms, which lend credibility to the information presented. However, it is essential to recognize that while these reports are factual, the framing of the events can vary based on the outlet's perspective, particularly regarding the implications of China's military activities.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that the Japanese Defense Ministry reported on May 29, 2023, that the Shandong and its support ships were exercising in the waters southeast of Miyako Island, marking the first time two Chinese carrier strike groups operated in the open Pacific, is accurate. This assertion is supported by multiple credible sources that confirm the event and its significance in the context of regional security dynamics.
Sources
- China Deploys 2 Aircraft Carriers to Western Pacific for the First Time
- China's aircraft carriers send message in the open Pacific
- China Challenges US Sea Power With Two Aircraft Carriers in West Pacific
- Two Chinese Aircraft Carriers Are Operating Beyond The First Island Chain
- Sending two carrier groups through First Island Chain shows China's growing capability
- A Chinese Aircraft Carrier Crossed the 'Second Island Chain' for the First Time
- Japan Reports Two Chinese Aircraft Carriers Operating in the Pacific
- China Deploys 2 Aircraft Carriers Into Pacific For First Time
