China has deployed both of its aircraft carriers—CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong —to the east of the first island chain since June 7. Japan's military reported that its patrol aircraft was intercepted by fighter jets launched from the Shandong while conducting surveillance.

Tokyo’s defense minister said Friday it was “unacceptable” for China to blame Japan for close encounters between their military planes over the Pacific high seas last weekend. Japan says recent Chinese military activities in the Pacific,