Japan Expresses Security Concerns Over China’s ‘Live-Fire’ Naval Drill

Japan has expressed security concerns after a Chinese naval destroyer conducted a ‘live-fire’ drill near the Japanese island of Okinotori, in the Pacific Ocean.

According to Japan’s Joint Staff, the Chinese guided-missile destroyer ‘Luyang-3’ was identified operating with two other Chinese warships and a Russian frigate on Sunday. Hours later, the destroyer conducted the ‘live-fire’ exercise near Okinotori Island.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that Japan formally expressed concerns to China, citing the risk posed to nearby ships. He added that the Chinese warship had provided prior notification to ships in the area before commencing the exercise.

Kihara also stated that Japan will continue to monitor Chinese and Russian military activities around the country and strengthen its air and maritime defenses.

Regional Tensions

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi commented that the incident highlights the increasing military cooperation between China and Russia. He also expressed concerns over China’s recent ballistic missile launch from a submarine and the joint flight of Chinese and Russian bombers around Japan.

However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused Japan of exaggerating the ‘China threat’ to justify its military expansion. Lin dismissed Japan’s concerns as ‘groundless’.

According to Japan, the ‘live-fire’ exercise took place approximately 180 kilometers southwest of Okinotori Island, within Japan’s claimed exclusive economic zone (EEZ). However, China disputes Japan’s EEZ claim in the area, arguing that Okinotori is merely a rock, not an island.

China had previously announced the completion of a joint naval exercise with Russia on July 13, with some participating warships continuing a joint patrol in the Pacific Ocean. However, China has not provided clear reasons for conducting the ‘live-fire’ exercise during the patrol.

Japan’s Joint Staff confirmed that this is the first recorded incident of a Chinese ‘live-fire’ exercise within Japan’s claimed EEZ. However, it was noted that the activity did not directly violate international law.