Chinese Destroyer Fires Live Rounds in Japan’s Waters for First Time, July 21

A Chinese guided-missile destroyer fired live machine-gun rounds inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone on Sunday, the first time Tokyo has publicly confirmed such a drill by Beijing. The Kaifeng, operating alongside two other Chinese warships and a Russian frigate, conducted the exercise about 180 kilometers southwest of Okinotorishima, Japan’s southernmost island. Japan’s Defense Ministry announced the incident Tuesday, expressing concern that the drill posed safety risks to nearby shipping.

What happened on Sunday

The Chinese destroyer Kaifeng fired live machine-gun ammunition during a drill in the Philippine Sea, roughly 110 miles southwest of Okinotorishima. The four-vessel flotilla, including Chinese destroyers Kaifeng and Anshan, a Chinese supply ship, and a Russian frigate, was spotted by Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force on July 19 about 330 kilometers southwest of the atoll. The Chinese warship issued a radio warning to nearby vessels before the drill began, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara.

Why this breaks new ground

This marks the first time Japan’s Defense Ministry has publicly acknowledged a foreign military vessel conducting live-fire exercises within its exclusive economic zone. A country’s EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from the coastline under international law. While Chinese aircraft carriers and research ships entered these waters in 2025, no foreign navy had previously fired live rounds there that Japan confirmed publicly. The drill signals a shift in China’s willingness to conduct military operations near Japanese territory.

Japan’s diplomatic response and concerns

Tokyo sent protests through diplomatic channels, citing potential dangers to navigation. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi revealed the incident Monday at the Farnborough International Airshow in England, describing it as part of strengthening military cooperation between Beijing and Moscow. Japan will continue surveillance of the area, Kihara said. China disputes Okinotorishima’s status as an island, claiming it is a reef and that the surrounding waters fall outside Japan’s EEZ, making the drill lawful.

Broader military coordination between China and Russia

The drill reflects escalating joint operations near Japan. Koizumi highlighted at least 10 joint flights by Chinese and Russian bombers near Japan, plus a submarine-launched ballistic missile test by China earlier this month. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused Japan of exaggerating external threats to justify military expansion, calling Tokyo’s safety concerns groundless. The operations underscore deepening defense ties between Beijing and Moscow since Tokyo’s relations with Russia soured over Ukraine.

Final Thoughts

The drill marks a significant escalation in China’s military posture near Japan and signals tightening coordination with Russia. For Australian investors tracking regional stability and defense spending, the incident highlights rising tensions that may drive increased military budgets across the Indo-Pacific.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.