PLA vessels, drones shadow Keen Sword drills off Japan

Japan scrambled fighters as PLA aircraft, including drones and a recon plane, transited international airspace between its islands, while warships and a supply ship capable of supporting the Liaoning carrier were tracked near the exercise area. The activity coincides with Keen Sword drills focused on a Taiwan contingency, signaling heightened Chinese military pressure and surveillance. The presence of a carrier-support vessel suggests possible carrier group operations, though its exact role remains unconfirmed.