Japan Protests Chinese Live-Fire Drills in Disputed Waters

Japan lodged a diplomatic protest with China over live-fire drills that Tokyo said had taken place in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The exercises, which involved Russian vessels, were held early on Sunday some 180 km southwest of what Tokyo calls Okinotori Island. China maintains that Okinotori is a rock, not an island, and that Japan is therefore not entitled to claim the surrounding waters as its EEZ.

Japanese government spokesman Minoru Kihara said Tokyo had protested through diplomatic channels because the activities could endanger nearby shipping.

Japan’s military said it was the first time Tokyo had publicly disclosed Chinese live-fire drills in its EEZ, but noted that the exercise was not prohibited under international law.

China and Russia have recently stepped up joint naval and air operations around Japan, prompting Tokyo to increase surveillance and strengthen the defense of its southwestern island chain amid growing regional security concerns.

(Reuters, bak)