A Chinese Luyang III-class guided-missile destroyer carried out a live-fire exercise about 180 km southwest of Okinotorishima within waters Japan claims as its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) early on July 19, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The exercise involved three Chinese naval vessels — two destroyers and a replenishment ship — along with a Russian Steregushchiy-class frigate operating about 330 km southwest of Okinotorishima [1, 2, 3].

Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force monitored and collected intelligence on the joint Chinese and Russian operations around the area [1]. The Chinese navy had notified nearby vessels in advance about the timing and location of the drill, according to reports [2, 3].

This marked the first time Japan publicly disclosed a Chinese live-fire drill within its claimed EEZ [1, 2, 4]. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed the drill and noted that Chinese and Russian naval vessels are conducting joint operations in waters surrounding Japan. “At this moment, Chinese and Russian naval vessels are conducting joint navigation operations in the waters surrounding Japan,” Koizumi said [4].

The Japanese government lodged a diplomatic protest with China citing concerns about navigation safety. Top government spokesman Minoru Kihara said, “The government lodged a protest with China through diplomatic channels, on the grounds that such activity could pose a danger to the navigation of vessels in the surrounding waters” [2].

China rejects Japan’s claim of an EEZ around Okinotorishima, arguing the atoll is a reef mostly submerged at high tide and does not qualify as an island under international law [1, 2, 3]. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman stated, “Japan’s claim of an EEZ around Okinotorishima violates international law. China’s activities in the high seas are fully consistent with international law and international practice” [2].

The Chinese and Russian vessels had transited southward between Okinawa’s main island and Miyako Island on July 16 before operating near Okinotorishima three days later [1]. Japan has increased surveillance and bolstered defenses in its southwestern island chain amid rising Chinese and Russian naval activities [1, 4].

Japan made the situation public and protested to China on July 21, with Defense Minister Koizumi addressing the issue publicly at the Farnborough Airshow [1, 2, 4].