Despite being labeled a Destroyer, Japan’s Izumo-class ship is hiding a deadly secret for China.

At first glance, the Izumo is, more specifically, a helicopter destroyer, and the largest Japanese naval vessel since World War 2. But a closer look—the expansive deck, the capability to house the stealth F-35Bs—paints a clearer picture: it is nothing less than a covert aircraft carrier.

As such, it's no surprise that Chinese officials have expressed shock and concern. To them, these are not just mere destroyers, but spiritual successors to Imperial Japan's carriers, readied for potential encounters fiercer than those of the Pacific's past.

Except this time, America’s stealth fighters and Japan’s aircraft carriers are preparing to do battle on the same side. And China does not like it one bit.