Japan says Chinese warships, spy drones and aircraft are tracking the Keen Sword drills off Japan

Summary

Japan says it has spotted PLA aircraft, spy drones and warships near its waters in recent days, including a supply ship that could support the Liaoning aircraft carrier. The sightings came as Tokyo and Washington started Keen Sword drills focused on a potential Taiwan contingency. On Monday, three PLA military aircraft, two drones and a reconnaissance plane, flew through international airspace between Japanese islands into the Pacific before heading back toward mainland China, prompting Japan to scramble fighter jets.

Timeline

1. South China Morning Post

   20 Oct 2026, 12:00 UTCSource ↗

   The South China Morning Post reports that Japan says it spotted PLA aircraft, spy drones and warships, including a supply ship that could support the Liaoning carrier, as Tokyo and Washington began Keen Sword drills focused on a potential Taiwan contingency.