China and Russia Conduct Joint Live-Fire Drills in Japan’s EEZ

Joint Naval Maneuvers Near Okinotorishima

The Japanese Ministry of Defense officially confirmed that Chinese and Russian naval forces were operating together in the Pacific Ocean following a series of joint drills conducted off the coast of Qingdao, China. On July 19, this joint patrol moved into the waters near Okinotorishima, a remote Japanese atoll. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, the activity included at least one Chinese missile destroyer conducting live-fire training using machine guns within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The Japanese government stated that while the foreign vessels operated within the EEZ, there were no reports of territorial sea incursions or damage to other ships in the area. The training site was located approximately 180 kilometers southwest of Okinotorishima. Military officials noted that the participating forces had provided advance notice regarding the location and duration of the exercises to nearby maritime traffic.

Tracking the Naval Task Force

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force had been monitoring the movements of the joint task force for several days prior to the firing incident. Surveillance confirmed that the group, which included two Chinese missile destroyers, one Chinese supply ship, and one Russian frigate, moved south between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima on July 16.

The Ministry of Defense noted that this is the first time the government has publicly confirmed that a foreign military has conducted live-fire training within the Japanese EEZ. The exercises follow a period of sustained pressure, including a joint flight by four Chinese and Russian bombers over the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean south of Shikoku in late June.

Broader Context of Regional Military Activity

Japanese defense officials view these exercises as part of a strategic effort by China and Russia to project power and apply pressure on Japan. The timing of the naval drills follows other significant military actions by China in the region. On July 6, China conducted a test involving the launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) into the Pacific.

These recent events echo tensions from previous years. In August 2022, a ballistic missile launched during Chinese exercises landed within Japan’s EEZ south of Yonaguni Island. While the current live-fire exercise near Okinotorishima remained limited to machine-gun fire, the government has maintained a close watch on the operational parameters of both navies.

Sources: topics.smt.docomo.ne.jp.