Chinese Aircraft Carrier Enters Japan's Contiguous Waters, Escalating Regional Tensions

A Chinese aircraft carrier entered Japan's contiguous waters for the first time on Wednesday, intensifying regional tensions. The ship, accompanied by two destroyers, sailed through waters between Japan's Yonaguni and Iriomote islands. This incident is part of a broader pattern of increased Chinese military activity near Japan and Taiwan, prompting Japan to bolster its defenses.

A Chinese aircraft carrier entered Japan's contiguous waters for the first time on Wednesday, Japan's defence ministry reported, marking another escalation in regional military tensions.

The carrier, along with two destroyers, navigated between Japan's Yonaguni and Iriomote islands, entering an area where Japan exerts some control as defined by the United Nations. This follows a recent protest by Japan over a Chinese naval survey vessel entering Japanese waters, soon after an airspace violation. Over the summer, a Japanese navy destroyer notably entered Chinese waters near Taiwan, as reported by Japanese media.

There has been a noticeable increase in Chinese military actions near Japan and Taiwan, alarming Tokyo. Japan has responded with enhanced defense measures to dissuade China from using force to advance its territorial claims. Earlier Wednesday, Taiwan's defence ministry confirmed the same Chinese carrier's passage near its east coast towards Yonaguni, Japan's southernmost island, lying 110 km from Taiwan.

China views Taiwan as its own and has routinely conducted exercises around the island to press its sovereignty claims, despite strong objections from Taipei. The Chinese ships, led by the Liaoning, were observed early Wednesday morning northeast of Taiwan, with Taiwan tracking and monitoring the activity. China's defence ministry did not respond to inquiries for comment.

(With inputs from agencies.)