Beijing Demonstrates Expanding Naval Reach
China’s recent deployment of two aircraft carriers alongside escort ships outside the First Island Chain marks a significant escalation in its naval capabilities, signaling Beijing’s ability to project power further into the Indo-Pacific and beyond, military analysts say.
A Sign of Increasing Blue-Water Capabilities
Jennifer Parker, an Australian naval analyst, told Breaking Defense that only around 15 countries operate aircraft carriers, and very few can deploy two carriers simultaneously with escorts. “While China’s carriers aren’t the most advanced yet, this demonstrates its growing blue water expeditionary capability—one that extends well beyond its near seas,” she explained.
The Japanese Defense Ministry raised alarms this week after Chinese carriers Liaoning and Shandong were observed operating near islands in the southern Pacific, about 750 miles from Iwo Jima. Over late May, the Liaoning conducted 260 fighter and helicopter takeoffs and landings near Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, highlighting the carriers’ operational reach.
China’s Long-Distance Ops Signal Strategic Evolution
Peter Dean of the US Studies Center emphasized that China’s February circumnavigation of Australia, which caught Canberra by surprise, underscores an expanding operational capacity of the PLA Navy (PLAN). “They can undertake longer-distance operations with greater duration and capability,” Dean said, suggesting that more such efforts are likely to be seen in the future.
Australian defense analyst John Blaxland echoed the importance of these developments, stating that China’s rise as a global power is similar to historic empires—albeit modernized in a different model. “China’s economic growth and trade dominance now cover most of the world, and that’s occurred in just 25 years since joining the WTO,” Blaxland noted, stressing the strategic challenge for Australia, the US, and allies.
China’s Third Carrier and Technological Advancements
Beyond Liaoning and Shandong, China launched its third carrier, Fujian, on June 17, 2022. The more advanced vessel, featuring electromagnetic catapults, began sea trials last May. This modern carrier enhances China’s naval power projection with cutting-edge technology and longer endurance.
Implications for U.S. and Allied Strategies
The latest carrier operations raise fundamental questions about how the US, Australia, and regional allies should respond to China’s expanding naval reach. The First Island Chain—stretching from Japan through the Philippines, Taiwan, and down to Indonesia—is traditionally seen as the first line of defense should conflict arise. Beijing regards breaking through this line as a key objective.
Blaxland advised, “Gear up, partner up, and brace for impact.” He highlighted that navies of Japan, South Korea, the US, Australia, and New Zealand are already highly interoperable, sharing protocols, technologies, and procedures. “While an Asian NATO may not happen, the close coordination and interoperability among these forces are already significant, and they can be mobilized quickly,” he said.
Monitoring and Response
Parker emphasized the importance of continued surveillance of Chinese naval movements and the development of autonomous response capabilities—creating a robust readiness posture for potential crises or conflicts.
Rising Tensions and Incidents
Amidst these strategic moves, tensions remain high. Japan’s defense minister recently reported that a Chinese fighter jet flew too close to a Japanese military plane, prompting Japan to demand measures to prevent such incidents, which could risk accidental collisions.
Conclusion
China’s deployment of multiple carriers beyond the First Island Chain signals a new phase in its maritime strategy—one that necessitates increased vigilance, alliance cooperation, and preparedness among U.S. and regional forces to counterbalance Beijing’s expanding naval power.
