Japan Defense Ministry Updates on Liaoning Carrier's Movements, Reports 170 Aircraft Sorties

Japan's Ministry of Defense has released updated intelligence on the movements of China's aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, in the Western Pacific. According to data released by the Joint Staff Office of Japan's Self-Defense Forces on June 1, the Liaoning conducted extensive flight operations between May 26 and May 28.

During this period, the Liaoning executed a total of 170 takeoffs and landings of carrier-based aircraft. The ministry also released a map detailing the carrier's航跡 (track) from May 25 onwards, showing its progression through key maritime areas.

On May 26, the Liaoning was observed approximately 1,090 kilometers southwest of Okinotori Island, accompanied by the Type 055 destroyer Wuxi and the Type 054A frigate Luohe. The following day, May 27, the carrier group was located 790 kilometers south of Miyako Island, with the Wuxi and Type 052D destroyer Kaifeng in escort.

By May 28, the Liaoning had shifted its course northwest, positioning itself 590 kilometers southwest of Miyako Island. At this point, the escort fleet had increased, including the Wuxi, Kaifeng, Luohe, and the Type 901 supply ship Hulun Lake. On May 29, the Liaoning, along with the Wuxi and Kaifeng, was seen sailing southeast in the waters east of the Philippines.

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, through the escort ship JS Asahi, is continuing its intelligence gathering and surveillance operations to monitor the Liaoning group's activities.