Japan confirms China's aircraft carrier sailed east of Iwo Jima for first time

9/6/2025 12:36

The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning sailed through waters east of the island of Iwo Jima in the Pacific Ocean for the first time.



Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a regular press briefing in Tokyo, Japan would strengthen surveillance and gather necessary information. Hayashi said without elaborating. Japan has also sent "an appropriate message" to China, .



Iwo Jima is located 1,000 km south of Tokyo.



A statement by Japan's Joint Staff showed over the weekend that the Liaoning, accompanied by some other ships, sailed in the sea within Japan's exclusive economic zone near Minamitorishima, a remote island east of Iwo Jima.



Japan had also confirmed fighter jets and helicopters taking off and landing from Liaoning in the waters southeast of Iwo Jima on Sunday.