China has sent two aircraft carriers into the Pacific Ocean for the first time, according to Japanese officials. 

On Saturday, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aircraft carrier CNS Shandong, accompanied by the cruiser CNS Zunyi, frigates CNS Yuncheng and CNS Hengshui, and the fleet oiler CNS Chaganhu, was spotted sailing southeast of Miyako Island, according to Japan’s Joint Staff Office. 

By Monday, fighter jets and helicopters were seen taking off and landing on the carrier. 

The carrier’s operations coincide with the deployment of the CNS Liaoning strike group, which includes the cruiser Nanchang, destroyer Qiqihar, and a supply ship, in the Philippine Sea.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Japan has communicated with China through diplomatic channels to ensure security and prevent threats.

“We intend to continue to make information from surveillance and monitoring activities public in a timely and appropriate manner, and to demonstrate that Japan is conducting thorough information gathering and surveillance, thereby demonstrating Japan’s will and ability to deter unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or other such actions,” Nakatani said.

Meanwhile, China’s military confirmed the two carrier groups are conducting joint training in the Western Pacific. A spokesperson said the exercises are routine, follow international law, and are not aimed at any country.

The presence of the aircraft carrier groups follows the departure of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington from its homeport in Japan on Tuesday for training exercises off the coast of Kyushu. The submarine USS Tucson also left port that same day.

USS George Washington (CVN 73) Nimitz-class aircraft carrier leaving Yokosuka, Japan – May 25, 2025

SRC: TW-@MICHIYAM pic.twitter.com/8F8OHUhHBv

— WarshipCam (@WarshipCam) May 25, 2025