Chinese Carrier Passes First Island Chain

Japanese Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday that Chinese Aircraft Carrier Liaoning, with five destroyers of Chinese Navy, passed the Miyako Strait between the islands of Miyako and Okinawa and entered West Pacific Ocean. Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense reconfirmed on Monday that Liaoning was cruising southeastward in South China Sea. Although the move of Liaoning does not violate international maritime law, it can be a demonstration against United States, which is building closer relationship with Taiwan.

It was the first time for Japanese Marine Self-defense Force to witness Chinese Carrier passing its defensive line called First Island Chain extending from Kyushu to Philippines. The force did not recognize any launching of fighter jet and entrance into contiguous zone or territorial waters of Japan. According to the Ministry, Chinese Ministry of National Defense informed Japanese Ministry on Foreign Affairs about the cruising of Liaoning.

Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced on Saturday that the fleet including Liaoning would have an exercise in West Pacific Ocean. Fighter Jet J-15 on Liaoning made exercise of touch-and-go or air fueling in East China Sea. Chinese media reported that Chinese military paved the way to Pacific Ocean and the exercise would frequently be done.

Liaoning passed Bashi Channel between Taiwan and Philippine and kept on cruising in southeast of Pratas Islands, which was under administration of Taiwan. It is likely for China to put higher pressure on Taiwan, which administration led by Tsai Ingwen is rejecting One-China Principle. China has been frustrated with United States President-elect, Donald Trump, had a telephone talk with Tsai. Unusual cruising of Liaoning must be an action of protest against the approach of U.S. and Taiwan.

Chinese government insists on its action abiding by international law. “It is an exercise based on annual plan. Liaoning has a right for freedom of navigation vested by international law. China hopes the parties to respect such a right of China,” told Spokeswoman with Chinese Ministry on Foreign Affairs, Hua Chunying. Global Times of China reported that Chinese Navy would overturn U.S. pressure on China by frequently dispatching aircraft carrier to East Pacific Ocean or offshore U.S. West Coast.

China is demonstrating its presence in West Pacific Ocean to make the area its own water. Challenging U.S. influence, China is going to put greater pressure on the region. Escalation is inevitable as long as China does not give its ambition.