The Japanese government has lodged a formal protest with Beijing following live-fire military exercises conducted by Chinese warships in disputed waters. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the incident occurred in an area Japan designates as its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), approximately 180 kilometers southwest of Okinotori Island.
Minoru Kihara, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, stated that the activities of the Chinese naval vessels in this region could pose risks to the safe navigation of nearby commercial and civilian ships. He confirmed that Tokyo has communicated its strong dissatisfaction to Beijing through diplomatic channels.
Japanese military officials noted that this marks the first time China has openly declared such exercises within this specific economic zone. Defense sources reported monitoring four vessels approaching the area, including two Chinese guided-missile destroyers, a supply ship, and a Russian frigate. Reports indicate that one of the Chinese destroyers issued radio warnings to nearby vessels before commencing live-fire drills.
The dispute surrounding Okinotori has persisted for years. China contends that the feature is a rock rather than an island, arguing that the establishment of an exclusive economic zone around it is inconsistent with international law. Beijing has yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest incident.
This event occurs amid heightened tensions between Japan and China regarding regional maritime security and the status of Taiwan. In recent months, increased joint naval and air activities by China and Russia near Japanese territory have prompted Tokyo to bolster its surveillance measures and strengthen the defense of its southwestern islands.
