Japan says China, Russia deployed 11 ships near its southern islands

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japan said Thursday that 11 naval ships from China and Russia sailed for the first time through the waters near its southern islands.

Tokyo expressed “grave concern” about what it perceives as a “show of force” by the two neighboring countries, according to Tokyo-based Kyodo News.

The Defense Ministry conveyed its concern to Moscow and Beijing through diplomatic channels about the passage of the ships last Tuesday, which included missile destroyers.

The joint passage was noticed from Japan’s southern islands which come under the jurisdiction of Okinawa province.

Following the passage between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island, the ships entered the East China Sea.

Tokyo views repeated joint military activities by Russia and China around Japan as “clearly aimed at demonstrating their force against our country,” according to Japanese officials.