Japan Protests Chinese and Russian Live-Fire Drills in EEZ

The Government of Japan lodged an official protest with China after Chinese and Russian warships conducted live-fire exercises on July 20, 2026. The drills took place approximately 180 kilometers southwest of Okinotori Island, an area Japan claims as its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The operations involved a Russian Steregushchiy-class frigate and three Chinese vessels, including a Luyang III-class guided-missile destroyer that reportedly used live ammunition.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated the activities could jeopardize the navigation of vessels in the area, though he noted that ships in the vicinity received prior notice. Japan's Joint Staff identified this as the first time the country has disclosed China performing live-fire drills within its claimed EEZ. While Japanese officials noted the activity did not violate international law, they viewed the joint operations as a sign of deepening military cooperation between Beijing and Moscow.

The Government of China rejected the protests. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian argued that Okinotori is a rock rather than an island, asserting that Japan is not entitled to an EEZ in those waters under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Additionally, China's state-run Xinhua News Agency claimed the live-fire exercises were held off Qingdao on China's east coast, contradicting the Japanese reports. Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin defended the China-Russia partnership as a means of safeguarding sovereignty.