Chinese carrier group entered Japanese waters
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Massive Chinese Aircraft Carrier Enters Japan’s Waters For First Time
The Liaoning carrier group briefly entered these sensitive waters before pulling back to conduct military drills. This is the first time a Chinese warship has entered Japanese territorial waters. The seabed surrounding the island contains rich deposits of rare metals, including around 200 million tonnes of manganese nodules.
On Saturday evening, the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning, accompanied by two missile destroyers and a supply ship, crossed into Japanese waters for the first time.
The unprecedented move has sent ripples through Tokyo, heightening fears over Beijing’s expanding military reach in the Pacific.
The Carrier Entered EEZ?
The Liaoning carrier group briefly entered these sensitive waters—around 300 kilometers southwest of Minamitori—before pulling back to conduct military drills.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi was cautious in his response.
While he did not confirm a formal protest, he said Tokyo had “conveyed an appropriate message to the Chinese side.” He also stressed Japan’s commitment to vigilance, promising to “perform our warning and surveillance duties at sea and in the air.”
This is the first time a Chinese warship has entered Japanese territorial waters.
Why The Region is Crucial?
Minamitori, though mostly uninhabited except for a small number of defense and meteorological personnel, is strategically crucial.
The seabed surrounding the island contains rich deposits of rare metals, including around 200 million tonnes of manganese nodules, making it a prized location amid regional tensions.
Chinese carrier group entered Japanese waters
Liaoning aircraft carrier, two missile destroyers and one fast combat supply ship sailed about 300km southwest of Japan’s easternmost island of Minamitori. It was the first time a Chinese aircraft carrier had entered that part of Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a ministry spokesman said. The carrier in September last year sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan, and entered Japan’s contiguous waters, an area up to 24 nautical miles (44km) from its coast.
AFP, TOKYO
A Chinese aircraft carrier group entered Japan’s economic waters over the weekend, before exiting to conduct drills involving fighter jets, the Japanese Ministry of Defense said yesterday.
The Liaoning aircraft carrier, two missile destroyers and one fast combat supply ship sailed about 300km southwest of Japan’s easternmost island of Minamitori on Saturday, a ministry statement said.
It was the first time a Chinese aircraft carrier had entered that part of Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a ministry spokesman said.
The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning carries out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise with the Shandong aircraft carrier, unseen, for the first time in the South China Sea in late October last year. Photo: Xinhua via AP
“We think the Chinese military is trying to improve its operational capability and ability to conduct operations in distant areas,” the spokesman said.
China’s growing military clout, and use of naval and air assets to press disputed territorial claims have rattled the US and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters yesterday that the government had “conveyed an appropriate message to the Chinese side,” without saying it had lodged a formal protest.
After the Liaoning and its accompanying vessels exited Japan’s EEZ, fighter jets and helicopters conducted takeoffs and landings on Sunday, the ministry statement said.
Japan deployed its warship Haguro to the area to monitor the situation, it added.
The Liaoning last month sailed between two southern Japanese islands within the EEZ, from the East China Sea into the Pacific while conducting takeoffs and landings on deck, the ministry said.
The carrier in September last year sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan, and entered Japan’s contiguous waters, an area up to 24 nautical miles (44km) from its coast.
At the time Tokyo called the move “unacceptable” and expressed “serious concerns.”
Under international law, a state has rights to the management of natural resources and other economic activities within its EEZ.
Chinese aircraft carrier group enters waters near Japan’s easternmost island for first time
Liaoning carrier, two missile destroyers and a supply ship entered Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) before exiting to conduct military drills. Incident will add to concern in Tokyo and Washington about China’s increasingly assertive naval and air activity in and around Japanese waters. The countries are embroiled in a longstanding territorial dispute over the Senkakus – uninhabited islets in the east China Sea that are administered by Japan but claimed by China. Last month, the Liaoning sailed between two southern islands inside a different region of Japan’s EEZ. In September last year the same carrier group sailed between Yonaguni and Iriomote – two Japanese islands near Taiwan.
The Liaoning carrier, accompanied by two missile destroyers and a supply ship, entered Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Saturday evening, Japan’s defence ministry said, before exiting to conduct military drills.
The chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, did not say if the government had lodged a formal protest, saying only that it had “conveyed an appropriate message to the Chinese side”.
“We will do our utmost to perform our warning and surveillance duties at sea and in the air,” he added, according to the Kyodo news agency.
The incursion into Pacific waters about 300km south-west of Minamitori island will add to concern in Tokyo and Washington about China’s increasingly assertive naval and air activity in and around Japanese waters.
The countries are embroiled in a longstanding territorial dispute over the Senkakus – uninhabited islets in the east China Sea that are administered by Japan but claimed by China, where they are known as the Diaoyu.
This is the first time, however, that a Chinese vessel has entered that part of Japan’s EEZ – an area within 200 nautical miles (370km) of its coastline – a defence ministry spokesperson told Agence France-Presse.
“We think the Chinese military is trying to improve its operational capability and ability to conduct operations in distant areas,” the spokesperson said.
After leaving the EEZ, the Chinese carrier group conducted landing and take-off drills involving fighter jets and helicopters, the ministry said, adding that Japan had deployed a warship, Haguro, to monitor the situation.
Minamitori, the easternmost point of the Japanese archipelago, is surrounded by large deposits of rare metals. Last year, experts from the Nippon Foundation and Tokyo University said about 200m tonnes of manganese nodules rich in rare metals existed on the seabed near the island.
No civilians live on Minamitori, located about 1,900km south-east of Tokyo, but it hosts a small number of personnel from the meteorological agency, the self-defence forces and the coast guard.
Saturday’s incident was the latest in a series of incursions by Chinese vessels into Japanese waters. Last month, the Liaoning sailed between two southern islands inside a different region of Japan’s EEZ. In September last year the same carrier group sailed between Yonaguni and Iriomote – two Japanese islands near Taiwan – and entered Japan’s contiguous waters, an area up to 24 nautical miles from its coast.
Japan’s government condemned the move at the time as “unacceptable” and voiced “serious concerns” to Beijing.
Morning Brief: NATO Chief Calls for Massive Expansion of Air Defenses to Counter Russia, Explosion Near US Kadena Air Base Injures Japanese Military Personnel
The White House defended the move, claiming it was necessary to restore order and counter what Trump called “rebellion” in the city. Israel blocked Greta Thunberg’s Gaza-bound aid boat, while NATO called for a major air defense expansion to counter Russia. Moscow launched a record drone strike on Ukraine amid stalled peace talks. Four Japanese troops were injured in an explosion near Kadena Air Base. About 500 Marines remained on standby at Twentynine Palms, California, as former Vice President Kam Harris condemned the crackdown, calling it a “calculated agenda to spread panic and spread panic” The protests, now in their third day, erupted following the arrival of 300 National Guard troops deployed without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s request, marking the first such move since 1965. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs. Officers in riot gear and mounted police secured federal buildings, including a downtown detention center. The protests drew comparisons to past LA crises, though crowds were smaller than during the 2020 George Floyd protests.
The protests, now in their third day, erupted following the arrival of 300 National Guard troops deployed without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s request, marking the first such move since 1965.
Demonstrators blocked the 101 Freeway, clashed with law enforcement, and set at least four self-driving cars on fire as police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs. Officers in riot gear and mounted police secured federal buildings, including a downtown detention center.
Good morning! Get up to speed with SOFREP’s Morning Brief, delivering key updates on defense and global affairs for Monday, June 9, 2025. Protests in LA escalated as Trump’s unauthorized National Guard deployment triggered street clashes amid immigration raids. Israel blocked Greta Thunberg’s Gaza-bound aid boat, while NATO called for a major air defense expansion to counter Russia. Moscow launched a record drone strike on Ukraine amid stalled peace talks. A Chinese carrier group entered Japan’s economic waters, raising regional tensions, and four Japanese troops were injured in an explosion near Kadena Air Base.
Good morning! Get up to speed with SOFREP’s Morning Brief, delivering key updates on defense and global affairs for Monday, June 9, 2025. Protests in LA escalated as Trump’s unauthorized National Guard deployment triggered street clashes amid immigration raids. Israel blocked Greta Thunberg’s Gaza-bound aid boat, while NATO called for a major air defense expansion to counter Russia. Moscow launched a record drone strike on Ukraine amid stalled peace talks. A Chinese carrier group entered Japan’s economic waters, raising regional tensions, and four Japanese troops were injured in an explosion near Kadena Air Base.
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Violence Erupts in Los Angeles as Protests Intensify Against Trump’s National Guard Deployment
Tensions in Los Angeles escalated Sunday as thousands protested President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops amid ongoing immigration raids.
Demonstrators blocked the 101 Freeway, clashed with law enforcement, and set at least four self-driving cars on fire as police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs. Officers in riot gear and mounted police secured federal buildings, including a downtown detention center.
The protests, now in their third day, erupted following the arrival of 300 National Guard troops deployed without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s request, marking the first such move since 1965.
Newsom called it a “serious breach of state sovereignty,” a sentiment echoed by LA Mayor Karen Bass.
The White House defended the move, claiming it was necessary to restore order and counter what Trump called “rebellion” in the city.
Our law enforcement officers are just doing their jobs. Violence and intimidation against federal law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The United States is a nation of laws, and lawbreakers will be brought to justice. pic.twitter.com/0wytuvEO5R — Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 8, 2025
Federal authorities have arrested over 100 immigrants in sweeps throughout Los Angeles, including in the fashion district and suburban parking lots. Protests began Friday and spread through heavily Latino areas like Paramount and Compton. Violence erupted near federal staging areas as demonstrators threw rocks and fireworks at Border Patrol vehicles.
National Guard troops stood guard outside key federal sites Sunday as flash bangs echoed across downtown.
Protesters hurled objects at law enforcement, prompting police to declare an unlawful assembly and clear streets. The unrest drew comparisons to past LA crises, though crowds were smaller than during the 2020 George Floyd protests.
A third day of anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles saw clashes between law enforcement and protesters, as President Donald Trump and California’s Governor Gavin Newsom traded barbs over who is responsible for the chaos, and for restoring order https://t.co/0LV7IZ220N pic.twitter.com/Gx0lUD1Fjf — Bloomberg (@business) June 9, 2025
Trump told reporters Sunday that “violent people” in LA would not “get away with it,” hinting at broader military deployments. About 500 Marines at Twentynine Palms remained on standby.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the crackdown, calling it a “calculated agenda to spread panic and division.”
Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Aid Boat Carrying Greta Thunberg
Israeli forces intercepted the Madleen, a Gaza-bound aid boat carrying Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and other campaigners, early Monday off the Gaza coast.
The vessel, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed Italy on June 1 to raise awareness of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which the United Nations has described as the world’s most acute famine risk.
Israeli authorities confirmed they diverted the boat, labeling it a “‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities,’” and redirected the passengers toward Israeli territory. All 12 activists onboard were unharmed.
Israel’s foreign ministry stated that any remaining aid on the vessel would be transferred to Gaza via official humanitarian channels.
The “selfie yacht” of the “celebrities” is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries. While Greta and others attempted to stage a media provocation whose sole purpose was to gain publicity — and which included… pic.twitter.com/eEZSJJHVfd — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025
The interception follows weeks of criticism over Israel’s tight blockade on Gaza, which has caused severe shortages in food and basic supplies. Israel has since allowed limited aid through the newly formed, US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), though the UN has refused to cooperate with the group, citing concerns over neutrality and operational conduct.
The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7 assault that killed over 1,200 people in Israel, has resulted in more than 54,880 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Nearly the entire population now relies on humanitarian aid.
NATO Chief Calls for Massive Expansion of Air Defenses to Counter Russia
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday called for a “400-percent increase” in the alliance’s air and missile defense capabilities, citing the threat posed by Russia’s aerial warfare in Ukraine.
In prepared remarks for a speech at Chatham House in London, Rutte emphasized the need to strengthen NATO’s skies to maintain credible deterrence.
Rutte’s appeal comes ahead of a pivotal NATO summit in the Netherlands later this month, where US President Donald Trump is pressuring member states to commit to defense spending equal to five percent of gross domestic product (GDP)—more than double the current two-percent target.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated last week that allies are nearing a formal agreement on the new spending goal.
Rutte warned that the threat from Russia will persist beyond the end of the war in Ukraine and called for a “quantum leap” in NATO’s collective defense. He said the alliance must invest in thousands of armored vehicles, tanks, and millions of artillery shells to fulfill its defense plans.
NATO Allies agreed a new set of capability targets The targets describe exactly what capabilities Allies need to invest in over the coming years to keep our deterrence and defence strong and our one billion people safe#DefMin pic.twitter.com/a94grkiDsq — NATO (@NATO) June 8, 2025
The Secretary General is also expected to support Britain’s newly unveiled defense strategy, which includes plans to build up to 12 nuclear-powered submarines and six munitions factories in response to ongoing Russian aggression.
Russia Launches Record Drone Barrage on Ukraine Amid Stalled Peace Talks
Russia launched 479 drones at Ukraine overnight—the largest single drone assault since the war began in 2022—according to Ukraine’s air force on Monday.
The barrage, which also included 20 missiles, primarily targeted central and western regions. Ukrainian forces claimed they intercepted 277 drones and 19 missiles, with only 10 projectiles reaching their targets. One civilian was reported injured. The figures could not be independently verified.
The massive aerial assault comes amid intensified Russian ground offensives in eastern and northeastern Ukraine and follows two rounds of direct peace talks in Istanbul that produced only limited progress, such as agreements on prisoner and body exchanges.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the frontline situation as “very difficult,” and renewed calls for more air defense systems from Western partners. Uncertainty over continued US support has heightened concern about Ukraine’s capacity to hold off Russian advances.
NEW: Kremlin officials and the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced on June 8 that Russian forces reached the Donetsk-Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border and are conducting offensive operations into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast — an oblast that Russia has not illegally declared as… pic.twitter.com/epu5xOsygb — Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) June 8, 2025
Meanwhile, Ukraine launched a counter-strike deep inside Russia. Ukrainian drones reportedly hit an electronic warfare facility in Chuvashia and damaged infrastructure in the Voronezh region.
Ukrainian special forces also claimed to have struck two Russian fighter jets at Savasleyka airfield in the Novgorod region, about 650 kilometers (404 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Russia’s defense ministry said it shot down 49 Ukrainian drones over seven regions overnight.
The United Nations reports that over 12,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since Russia began targeting civilian areas with Iranian-made Shahed drones. Russia denies these claims, stating it targets only military assets.
Chinese Carrier Group Enters Japanese EEZ, Conducts Fighter Jet Drills
A Chinese aircraft carrier group led by the Liaoning entered Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) over the weekend, marking the first such incursion near Minamitori Island, Japan’s easternmost territory, Tokyo’s defense ministry confirmed Monday.
The carrier was accompanied by two missile destroyers and a fast combat support ship, and exited the area to conduct fighter jet and helicopter operations on Sunday.
Japan’s Defense Ministry said the move signals China’s efforts to enhance its ability to conduct long-range military operations.
In response, Japan deployed its warship Haguro to monitor the situation.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that Japan sent an “appropriate message” to China but did not confirm lodging a formal protest. The incident adds to growing regional tension over China’s expanding naval presence and aggressive maritime activities.
“On June 7, several Chinese naval vessels, [cv16Liaoning] were sailing in the waters about 300 km southwest of Minamitorishima (Tokyo). In addition, on June 8, the takeoff and landing of carrier-based fighter jets and other aircraft was confirmed” The Chinese Navy expeditionary pic.twitter.com/30WVwUW6dp — Oceanner (@Oceanworldfree) June 8, 2025
This latest maneuver follows a pattern of recent Chinese operations in and around Japanese waters. Last month, the Liaoning sailed between Japanese islands within the EEZ, and in September last year, it entered Japan’s contiguous zone near Taiwan.
Additionally, Tokyo accused Beijing of conducting unauthorized maritime research near Okinotori atoll.
Japan and its allies, including the US, remain concerned about Beijing’s increasing military assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific, especially around contested maritime boundaries.
Under international law, EEZs grant coastal states rights over economic resources but do not prohibit foreign naval transits.
Explosion Near US Kadena Air Base Injures Japanese Military Personnel
An explosion near the US military’s Kadena Air Base in Okinawa injured four Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (SDF) members on Monday during bomb disposal preparations, Japanese Defense Ministry officials confirmed.
The blast occurred at an SDF storage facility for unexploded ordnance within the base’s ammunition depot.
The injured personnel suffered finger lacerations and possible hearing damage. Local authorities reported no ongoing threat of additional explosions or fire, and no evacuation orders were issued.
FOUR Japan Self-Defense Forces members injured in explosion near US Kadena Air Base in Okinawa while preparing for bomb disposal — Defense Ministry Officials report no threat to residents or risk of further blasts https://t.co/GJm8lIAbvj pic.twitter.com/jbvaayJFg4 — RT (@RT_com) June 9, 2025
Okinawa hosts the majority of American military installations in Japan, a legacy of its post–World War II US administration, which ended with its reversion to Japanese control in 1972.
Sources: News Agencies
Explosion reported at US air base in Japan
Four people were injured in an explosion at a Japanese military base. The blast occurred as the base was being used for bomb disposal. The cause of the explosion is not yet known, according to the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The incident is the latest in a series of incidents involving U.S. and Chinese forces in the region. The U.N. Security Council has called for an end to the use of force by the Chinese military in the Asia-Pacific region.
The blast occurred while the JSDF personnel were preparing to carry out bomb disposal operations, Kyodo News Agency reported on Monday.
A defence ministry spokesman said they had received reports of an explosion at the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) facility inside Kadena Air Base in the southern Japanese region.
Jiji Press and other local media said four injuries had been reported but none were life-threatening.
Public broadcaster NHK said, citing unnamed defence ministry sources, that the explosion may have occurred at a temporary storage site for unexploded bombs, with officials trying to confirm the situation.
“We’ve heard there was an explosion at the SDF facility and also heard there were injuries but we don’t have further details,” Yuta Matsuda, a local official of Yomitan village in Okinawa, told AFP.
No evacuation order has been issued for nearby residents, according to local officials.
Okinawa is home to the bulk of US military facilities in Japan.
Related TRT Global – US to deploy drones in Japan’s Okinawa to boost intelligence operations
China, Japan tension
Meanwhile, a Chinese aircraft carrier group entered Japan’s economic waters over the weekend, before exiting to conduct drills involving fighter jets, Tokyo’s defence ministry said on Monday.
The Liaoning carrier, two missile destroyers and one fast combat supply ship sailed around 300 kilometres (190 miles) southwest of Japan’s easternmost island of Minamitori on Saturday, a ministry statement said.
It was the first time a Chinese aircraft carrier had entered that part of Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a Japanese defence ministry spokesman told AFP.
“We think the Chinese military is trying to improve its operational capability and ability to conduct operations in distant areas,” the spokesman said.
China’s growing military clout and use of naval and air assets to press disputed territorial claims have rattled the United States and its allies in the Asia Pacific region.
Tokyo’s chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters on Monday that the government had “conveyed an appropriate message to the Chinese side” without saying it had lodged a formal protest.