Chinese Aircraft Carrier Breaches Defense Line

A Chinese navy aircraft carrier was seen breaching the second Pacific island defense line and entering deep into the western Pacific, in what is being considered a bold demonstration of naval power. Knewz.com has learned that the United States has established three island chains across the Pacific, with the aim of restricting China’s access to the ocean. The first island chain is closest to China and consists of three U.S. allies: Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. The second island chain is centered around Guam and stretches from Japan to New Guinea. The third island chain runs from Alaska’s Aleutian Islands to New Zealand via Hawaii.

Chinese Aircraft Carrier Breaches Second Defense Line

According to reports, the Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning has been on the move since May, when it was spotted in contested waters in the East China Sea, west of the First Island Chain. The aircraft carrier then crossed the Miyako Strait in Japan’s southwestern waters and entered the Philippine Sea. It has been reported that a Chinese naval task force consisting of the Liaoning and three other vessels was recently seen operating 186 miles southwest of Minamitorishima, Japan’s easternmost territory. According to Japanese media, this marked the first time the nation’s defense ministry had confirmed and announced the presence of a Chinese aircraft carrier in waters near Minamitorishima and on the eastern side of the Second Island Chain.

The Chinese Aircraft Carrier Moved Southwest Soon After

A day after the announcement from Japan’s Defense Ministry, the Liaoning was seen moving southwest, away from the island of Minamitorishima. The Japanese Defense Ministry further pointed out that the task force had increased to eight vessels. The task force was last seen 600 miles northeast of Guam. According to the Japanese military, the Chinese aircraft carrier was sailing alongside two Type 055 destroyers, two Type 052D destroyers, one Type 054A frigate, one Type 901 fast combat support ship and one Type 903A replenishment ship. The Joint Staff of the Japanese Defense Ministry said in a statement to Japanese media, “China appears to be trying to improve the operational capabilities of its aircraft carriers and its ability to conduct operations in distant seas and airspace.”

Liaoning Operated Within International Law, China Claims

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, said in a statement, “[T]he task fleet led by [People’s Liberation Army Navy Ship] Liaoning conducted training in relevant waters, which does not target any specific country or entity and is in line with international law and practice. I think the Japanese side overreacted.” Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, echoed Colonel Xiaogang’s statement, saying, “What I can tell you is that China’s military vessels’ activities in relevant waters are fully consistent with international law and international practice. We hope Japan will view this from an objective and reasonable perspective.”

Chinese Navy Has Repeatedly Breached the Defense Line

Although the three island chains are aimed at restricting China’s naval access to the broader Pacific Ocean during wartime, the Chinese navy has repeatedly breached the First Island Chain. Notably, the navy also carried out a long-range mission that circumnavigated Australia earlier in 2025, according to reports.

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