China, Russia naval vessels conduct joint patrol around Japan
Japan's defence ministry said three Chinese naval vessels, including missile destroyers and a support ship, were tracked moving southwest through the Korea Strait as part of a joint patrol coordinated with Russian ships. Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force vessels shadowed the movement. Analysts said the exercise shows growing ambition in China-Russia military cooperation near Japan.
Japan's defence ministry said three Chinese naval vessels — Type 055 and Type 052D missile destroyers alongside a Type 903 support ship — were tracked moving southwest through the Korea Strait between Sunday and Monday, describing the movement as part of a coordinated patrol with Russian vessels.
Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force ships and patrol aircraft monitored the movement closely. Analysts said the exercise reflects growing ambition in military cooperation between China and Russia, with joint patrols near Japan increasing in both frequency and scope.
Japan's government described the development as a sign of a shifting regional security environment and said it would continue coordinating with allies in response. Beijing and Moscow have said such patrols take place in international waters and comply with international law.
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