Kihara: China and Russia conduct live-fire drills in Japan's EEZ

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara announced that Chinese and Russian naval vessels are currently engaged in joint navigation operations in waters surrounding Japan. He revealed this development during a speech in the United Kingdom on Saturday night, Japan time.

Kihara further disclosed that both nations conducted live-fire exercises within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) over the past weekend. This action within Japan's EEZ, which extends 200 nautical miles from its coast and where Japan has sovereign rights for resource exploration and exploitation, is a significant point of concern for Tokyo.

The minister's statement highlights ongoing military activities by China and Russia in proximity to Japan, underscoring regional security tensions. The joint exercises within the EEZ suggest a coordinated effort by the two powers in a strategically sensitive area.