A Chinese navy destroyer conducted live-fire drills in waters southwest of Japan’s remote Okinotori Island early on Sunday while operating alongside Russian naval vessels, Japan’s Joint Staff said.
Incident Details
Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force spotted four vessels — a Chinese Renhai-class guided-missile destroyer, a Luyang III-class guided-missile destroyer, a Fuchi-class replenishment ship and a Russian Steregushchiy-class frigate — sailing northeast about 330 km southwest of Okinotori at around 2 a.m. on July 19.
The Japanese military later confirmed that the Chinese Luyang III-class destroyer conducted a live-fire exercise about 180 km southwest of the island.
A spokesperson at the Joint Staff said it was the first time Japan had disclosed China’s live-fire drills in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), while adding that the activity was not against international rules.
China disputes Japan’s claim that the waters around Okinotori are part of its EEZ, arguing that it is a reef rather than an island.
Regional Security Concerns
China and Russia have stepped up joint naval and air operations around Japan in recent years, prompting Tokyo to increase surveillance and strengthen its defenses in the southwest island chain amid concerns over regional security.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
