Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Chinese Destroyer Conducts Live-Fire Drill Near Japan
A Chinese navy destroyer conducted live-fire drills near Japan's Okinotori Island.
Japan's military spotted four vessels, including Chinese and Russian ships, sailing nearby.
Japan claims the waters around Okinotori as part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), but China disputes this, saying Okinotori is a reef, not an island.
Japan monitored the ships and gathered intelligence.
This incident is part of increased joint naval operations by China and Russia in the region.
Chinese Luyang III-class destroyer conducted live-fire drill near Okinotori Island.
Four vessels, including Chinese and Russian ships, were spotted 330 km southwest of Okinotori.
Japan claims the waters around Okinotori as part of its EEZ, but China disputes this.
Japan monitored the ships and gathered intelligence on their activities.
Incident part of increased joint naval operations by China and Russia in the region.
- Who
- Chinese and Russian naval vessels
- What
- Live-fire drill conducted by Chinese destroyer
- When
- July 19, 2023
- Where
- Southwest of Okinotori Island, Japan
- Why
- Part of increased joint naval operations by China and Russia
Japan's Perspective
China's Perspective
Status of Okinotori Island
Japan's Perspective
Japan claims Okinotori Island as part of its territory and EEZ.
China's Perspective
China disputes Japan's claim, arguing Okinotori is a reef, not an island.
- Date of Incident
- July 19, 2023
- Location
- Southwest of Okinotori Island, Japan
- Vessels Involved
- Chinese Renhai-class destroyer, Luyang III-class destroyer, Fuchi-class replenishment ship, Russian Steregushchiy-class frigate
- Distance from Okinotori
- 330 km southwest
- Japan's Response
- Monitored ships and gathered intelligence
- China's Stance
- Disputes Japan's EEZ claim around Okinotori