China's Navy Xiangtan frigate enters waters near the Ryukyu Islands; Japan's Defense Ministry confirms its movements

[Japan Defense Ministry: Chinese Navy's Xiangtan Frigate Enters Waters Around the Ryukyu Islands]

According to the Joint Staff Office of Japan's Defense Ministry on July 1, 2026: At around 11 a.m. on July 1, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force confirmed that the Chinese Navy's Type 054A frigate Xiangtan (hull number "531") was sailing westward in waters approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Okinawa Island.

Subsequently, it was confirmed that the vessel passed through the Miyako Strait between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island, continuing westward toward the East China Sea.

Furthermore, this ship is the same one previously observed traveling northeastward through the Hashima Strait between Amami Oshima and Yoko-dan Island from June 19 to 20.

The Japan Defense Ministry and Self-Defense Forces conducted surveillance and intelligence gathering using the patrol vessel "Umi" (based in Sasebo), belonging to the JMSDF's 7th Escort Squadron.

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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1869505599174921/

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