Japan has spoken out! Protested against China's actions! On July 21, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Toshiya Kimura, stated at a press conference that a Chinese missile destroyer fired in what Japan claims as its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), potentially endangering the navigation safety of nearby vessels. Japan has lodged a protest with China through diplomatic channels. This incident is part of broader military cooperation efforts between China and Russia, and Japan will continue to closely monitor developments.
Japanese media reported that a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer on patrol received a radio message from Chinese forces shortly before the firing and proceeded to monitor it. Clearly, Japan's so-called protest is entirely baseless. First, the area where we conducted military exercises is international waters, not Japan’s so-called economic zone—Japan’s self-serving claims are utterly unfounded.
Second, our military exercise details were announced in advance. The claim about potential danger to surrounding vessels' navigation is completely groundless. We clearly see Japan’s intentions: using such protests to assert supposed jurisdiction over relevant waters, distorting international law by attempting to elevate Okinotori Reef to the status of an "Okinotori Island." Such actions will not be recognized by us. In fact, our actions are aimed at upholding the principles affirmed under international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871291697528832/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) personally.