Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Japan Protests Chinese Live-Fire Drills in Disputed Waters
Japan and China are arguing over some waters near an island called Okinotori.
Japan says it's their exclusive economic zone because Okinotori is an island, but China says it's just a rock and doesn't count.
China and Russia did some military exercises there, and Japan is not happy because they think it's dangerous for ships.
Japan protested to China, but China hasn't said anything yet.
This is part of a bigger argument between Japan and China about who owns what in the area.
Japan protested China's live-fire drills in its exclusive economic zone near Okinotori Island.
China argues Okinotori is a rock, not an island, and thus Japan cannot claim the surrounding waters.
The drills involved Chinese and Russian vessels and were conducted 180 km southwest of Okinotori Island.
Japan lodged a protest through diplomatic channels, citing potential danger to navigation.
China has not immediately responded to the protest.
- Who
- Japan and China, with Russian involvement
- What
- Live-fire drills conducted in Japan's exclusive economic zone
- When
- Early Sunday, July 21
- Where
- 180 km southwest of Okinotori Island
- Why
- Dispute over the status of Okinotori Island and territorial claims
Japan's Position
China's Position
Status of Okinotori
Japan's Position
Japan considers Okinotori an island, entitling it to an exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
China's Position
China argues Okinotori is a rock, not an island, and thus Japan cannot claim the surrounding waters as its EEZ.
Live-Fire Drills
Japan's Position
Japan protests the drills, citing potential danger to navigation and sovereignty concerns.
China's Position
China conducts drills, asserting its rights in the disputed waters.
- Location of Drills
- 180 km southwest of Okinotori Island
- Date of Incident
- Early Sunday, July 21
- Vessels Involved
- Chinese Renhai-class guided-missile destroyer, Luyang III-class guided-missile destroyer, Fuchi-class replenishment ship, Russian Steregushchiy-class frigate
- Japanese Response
- Lodged a protest through diplomatic channels
- Chinese Response
- No immediate comment from the foreign ministry