Japan protests Chinese live‑fire drill in its exclusive economic zone near Okinotori

A Chinese navy destroyer conducted live‑fire drills in waters southwest of Japan’s remote Okinotori Island, an area Japan claims as part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The drill was carried out alongside a Russian frigate, with three Chinese vessels and the Russian ship observed about 330 km southwest of the atoll and the live‑fire exercise taking place roughly 180 km from the island.

Japan’s Defense Ministry lodged a diplomatic protest, saying the drills could endanger navigation of nearby vessels and warned of heightened surveillance and readiness. Government spokesperson Minoru Kihara emphasized ongoing concern over China‑Russia naval activity in Japan’s surrounding waters. China rejected Japan’s claim, arguing Okinotori is a reef and not entitled to an EEZ, and said the operations complied with international law. The incident marks the first time Japan has publicly disclosed a foreign navy conducting live‑fire drills within its EEZ, highlighting growing security tensions in the Indo‑Pacific.