China Conducts Live-Fire Drills in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone

The Government of China conducted a live-fire exercise on July 19, 2026, using a Luyang III-class guided-missile destroyer and machine guns with live ammunition. The drills took place in waters approximately 180 km southwest of Okinotori Island, where the destroyer operated alongside other Chinese ships and a Russian Steregushchiy-class frigate.

Japan's Joint Staff identified the event as the first time the country has disclosed China performing live-fire drills within its claimed exclusive economic zone. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force spotted the fleet of four vessels sailing northeast of the island. Japan's Defense Ministry monitored the ships and expressed concern through diplomatic channels, stating the activity could have endangered nearby navigation.

China disputes that the location falls within a Japanese exclusive economic zone, arguing that Okinotori is a reef rather than an island. This incident follows a trend of increasing joint naval and air operations between China and Russia around Japan. Minoru Kihara, a top government spokesman for Japan, characterized the drills as an effort to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.