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‘Groundless’: China dismisses Japanese protest over live-fire drill within Okinotori EEZ
South China Morning Post • • world
Key Points:
- Japan's defence ministry reported that a Chinese People's Liberation Army vessel participated in joint exercises with a Russian navy ship in the Pacific, including a live-fire drill near Okinotori Island within Japan's claimed exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
- The live-fire drill occurred approximately 180 km southwest of Okinotori Island while a Russian frigate was in the vicinity.
- Japan has contacted China through diplomatic channels and continues to monitor military activities in the area.
- China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian denied Japan's claims, calling them "groundless" and asserting that the China-Russia exercises were conducted in accordance with international law.
