Japan raises safety concern over Chinese destroyer's live-fire drills
Japan expressed concern after a Chinese Luyang III-class destroyer conducted live‑fire drills off the remote Okinotori island, within Japan's exclusive economic zone. The drills were part of a joint China‑Russia naval exercise, and Japan warned nearby vessels of a potential safety threat. Tokyo highlighted the growing scope of China‑Russia military cooperation around its waters.
- ▪The Chinese destroyer carried out live‑fire exercises 180 km southwest of Okinotori, an area Japan claims as part of its EEZ.
- ▪Japan’s chief cabinet secretary said the drills posed a safety risk and that ships in the area received a notice before the firing began.
- ▪Japan’s defense minister linked the drills to broader China‑Russia cooperation, noting recent joint bomber flights and a Chinese submarine missile launch.
- ▪China disputes Japan’s EEZ claim around Okinotori, describing the feature as an atoll rather than an island.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onJapan raises safety concern over Chinese destroyer's live-fire drillsJapanese officials say they are concerned after a Chinese navy destroyer conducted live-fire drills off one of Japan’s remote islands in the Pacific Ocean on SundayByMARI YAMAGUCHI Associated PressJuly 21, 2026, 2:40 AM1:50In this photo provided by Japan Joint Staff, a Chinese Luyang III-class guided-missile destroyer sails off Kumejima island, southern Japan, on July 16, 2026.
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