TOKYO, July 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A Chinese naval vessel carried out a live-firing drill during exercises with Russia within Japan's exclusive economic zone, Tokyo said Tuesday.

The incident on Sunday was the first time that Japan's defence ministry has spotted a live-fire drill by China within its EEZ and disclosed it, Japanese media said.

The Chinese Luyang III-class missile destroyer was seen conducting the exercise 180 kilometres (110 miles) southwest of the Okinotori island, Japan's southernmost territory.

The move followed an initial sighting around 2:00 am the same day of a fleet of four vessels -- three Chinese ships and one Russian navy frigate -- 330 km southwest of the island as they headed northeast.

When the live-fire training unfolded later, the Russian frigate was also nearby, public broadcaster NHK said.

Following the drill, the defence ministry mobilised a Japanese navy destroyer to surveil and monitor the situation.