China, Russia Hold Joint Live-Fire Drill in Japan's EEZ as Tokyo Protests First Such Sighting
Updated
Updated · CNA · Jul 21
China, Russia Hold Joint Live-Fire Drill in Japan's EEZ as Tokyo Protests First Such Sighting
3 articles · Updated · CNA · Jul 21
Summary
Japan said Chinese and Russian naval forces used machine guns in a joint live-firing drill on Sunday inside Japan's exclusive economic zone, about 180km southwest of Okinotori island.
A Chinese Luyang III-class destroyer carried out the firing alongside a Russian warship after a four-ship fleet was first spotted 330km southwest of the island heading northeast, prompting Japanese air and sea surveillance.
Tokyo lodged a diplomatic protest, saying the exercise could have endangered nearby shipping and reflected deepening China-Russia military cooperation.
China rejected the complaint as "completely groundless," accusing Japan of hyping lawful activity amid already strained ties over Taiwan and disputed East China Sea islands.
The drill followed joint Chinese-Russian bomber flights around Japan last month and another naval exercise this month, underscoring rising pressure around Japan's waters.
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Escalation in the Pacific: Chinese and Russian Naval Drills in Japan’s Claimed EEZ Near Okinotori, July 2026
Overview
On July 19, 2026, Chinese and Russian navies conducted live-fire drills in Japan's exclusive economic zone near Okinotori Island, marking a major escalation in regional tensions. Japan responded by monitoring the exercises, publicly disclosing the incident for the first time, and lodging a formal diplomatic protest with China. This event highlights a shift in Japan’s maritime security approach and underscores the ongoing dispute over Okinotori’s status, with Beijing insisting it is a reef, not an island. The incident reflects deepening Sino-Russian military cooperation and raises concerns about future security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.