China's Liaoning Aircraft Carrier Conducts ~170 Sorties in 3 Days, Japan Monitors

Central News Agency, Tokyo, June 2. Japan's Ministry of Defense stated yesterday that it observed Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning conducting approximately 170 flight operations in the Pacific between May 26 and 28. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi assessed that this is likely part of efforts to improve operational execution capabilities. According to reports from TV Asahi and Kyodo News, Koizumi stated at a press conference, 'The purpose may be to improve aircraft carrier operational capabilities and the ability to conduct missions in distant sea and air spaces.' The Joint Staff Office announced on the 1st that the Liaoning was sailing southwest of Okinotorishima on May 26, moved to about 790 km south of Miyakojima the next day, and then to about 590 km southwest of Miyakojima on the 28th. Carrier-based fighters and helicopters conducted about 170 takeoffs and landings during these three days. By May 29, the Liaoning and two missile destroyers moved southeast toward waters east of the Philippines. The Japanese government dispatched Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers to monitor the situation. Koizumi emphasized today, 'We will continue to monitor relevant movements and ensure full preparedness for surveillance around Japan.' When asked if China was trying to check Japan and the Philippines, he only referred to the results of his recent meeting with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.