Japan said on Tuesday it had lodged a diplomatic protest with China after Chinese naval vessels conducted live-fire drills in waters Tokyo considers part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The drills, which also involved a Russian warship, took place about 180 kilometres southwest of Okinotori early on Sunday, according to Japan's military.
Tokyo said the exercise posed a potential risk to nearby shipping and protested through diplomatic channels.
"The Japanese government lodged a protest with China through diplomatic channels, on the grounds that such activities could pose a danger to the navigation of nearby vessels," Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters.
Japan's military said it was the first time it had publicly disclosed Chinese live-fire drills inside its claimed EEZ, while noting the activity did not violate international law.
China argues that Okinotori is a rock rather than an island and therefore does not generate an exclusive economic zone under international law. Beijing has yet to comment on the incident.
Japanese forces said they tracked four vessels approaching the area, including two Chinese guided-missile destroyers, a replenishment ship and a Russian frigate. One of the Chinese destroyers later carried out the live-fire exercise after issuing a radio warning to nearby vessels.
The incident comes amid worsening ties between Tokyo and Beijing over Taiwan and maritime security.
China and Russia have also stepped up joint naval and air operations around Japan in recent months, prompting Tokyo to strengthen surveillance and reinforce its south-western island defences.
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