Chinese destroyer held live-fire drill in Japan's EEZ, Japan says

A Chinese navy destroyer carried out live-fire drills in waters southwest of Japan's Okinotori Island early Sunday, while operating in conjunction with Russian naval vessels, Japan's Joint Staff reported. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force detected four ships, a Chinese guided-missile destroyer, another Chinese destroyer, a replenishment ship, and a Russian frigate, sailing northeast approximately 330 kilometers southwest of Okinotori Island on July 19.

Japanese military officials confirmed that the Chinese Luyang III-class destroyer conducted the live-fire exercise about 180 kilometers southwest of the island. A spokesperson for the Joint Staff stated this was the first instance Japan had publicly disclosed Chinese live-fire drills within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). However, the spokesperson added that the activity did not violate international regulations.

The vessels involved were previously identified transiting southward between Okinawa's main island and Miyako Island on July 16. Japan's Defense Ministry reported that its own destroyer monitored the ships and gathered intelligence. China, however, disputes Japan's claim over the waters around Okinotori, arguing it is a reef, not an island, and therefore not subject to an EEZ.

This incident occurs amid a backdrop of increased joint naval and air operations between China and Russia around Japan in recent years. Tokyo has responded by enhancing its surveillance capabilities and strengthening defenses in its southwestern island chain due to growing concerns over regional security.

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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.