Chinese and Russian warships were spotted sailing near Japan in maneuvers that, according to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, nearly circled the archipelago over the course of a month.
A Chinese Navy guided-missile destroyer Type 052D and a replenishment ship were identified by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force east of Miyako Island, Okinawa, before heading to the East China Sea. These vessels had previously passed through the Korea and Sōya Straits.
In addition to Chinese movements, Japan also recorded Russian ships in the Tsugaru Strait, which separates Hokkaido and Honshu. Japanese authorities believe these actions are part of joint patrols in the Western Pacific, conducted after bilateral naval exercises near Vladivostok in early August.
The increase in military cooperation between China and Russia comes amid regional tensions, coinciding with preparations for the military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II. Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin are expected to attend the ceremony together, while Tokyo criticized the initiative and urged foreign leaders not to attend.
Source: South China Morning Post | Photo: X @songs349 | This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team
Following the conclusion of the Russia–China joint naval navigation on Aug 20, the JSDF🇯🇵 observed the following PLA-N vessels returning to the East China Sea via the Miyako Strait on Aug. 31: https://t.co/XVYIBJIgXf.
■ Vessels:
1. Luyang III-class (Type 052D) destroyer Shaoxing… https://t.co/fQf15GefOS pic.twitter.com/P33LEYEGnT— Song’s Defence Watch🇦🇺🇯🇵 (@songs349) September 1, 2025
