conflictTuesday, July 21, 20262 sources

China and Russia Conduct Live-Fire Drills in Japan's EEZ

Chinese and Russian naval forces conducted joint live-fire drills within Japan's claimed exclusive economic zone in the Pacific Ocean on July 21, 2026. Japan's defence ministry confirmed the incident, with Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi revealing it during a speech at the Farnborough International Airshow. Beijing dismissed Japan's diplomatic protest, arguing the EEZ claim lacks legal basis.

Chinese and Russian navy ships were spotted conducting joint live-fire drills within Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Pacific Ocean on July 21, 2026, according to the South China Morning Post. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi first disclosed the incident during an address at the Farnborough International Airshow in Britain, emphasizing the deepening military coordination between China and Russia. Japan’s defence ministry later confirmed the drills, raising concerns over navigation dangers and safety risks. Tokyo lodged a diplomatic protest over the drills, citing potential risks to maritime safety. Beijing rejected the protest, disputing the legal foundation for Japan’s EEZ claim. The exercise is seen as part of growing military coordination between China and Russia, reigniting tensions over the disputed Okinotorishima island. The incident highlights the ongoing strategic rivalry between the two nations in the Pacific region.

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IndependentTimes of IndiaJul 21, 01:52 PM
China conducts rare live-fire drill inside Japan's claimed EEZ

China conducted a live-fire naval drill within Japan's claimed exclusive economic zone. Tokyo lodged a diplomatic protest, citing potential navigation dangers and safety concerns. Beijing dismissed Japan's protest, disputing the legal basis for the EEZ claim. This exercise is viewed as part of growing military coordination between China and Russia. The incident revives a long-standing dispute over Okinotorishima's status.

IndependentSouth China Morning PostJul 21, 08:00 AM
Japan says Chinese and Russian warships held live-fire drills within its EEZ

Chinese and Russian navy ships were spotted conducting joint live-fire drills within Japan’s claimed exclusive economic zone in the Pacific Ocean on Sunday, its defence ministry said. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi first revealed that the two navies had held drills in Japan’s EEZ during an address to the Farnborough International Airshow in Britain on Monday, highlighting their deepening military cooperation, according to media reports. Japan’s defence ministry later confirmed that...