Japan Monitors Two Chinese Warships Off Kagoshima Coast on Eve of US-Philippines Balikatan Exercise
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force detected two Chinese naval vessels sailing east off the coast of Kagoshima. This occurred just as Japan officially participates for the first time in the large-scale US-Philippines joint military exercise 'Balikatan', a significant focus of the current drills.
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- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 18:22
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The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force confirmed on the morning of the 19th, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Yokodō Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, the presence of Chinese naval vessels sailing eastward.
According to data released by the Joint Staff Office, the vessels included a Luyang III-class missile destroyer (hull number 133) and a Jiang Kai II-class frigate (hull number 577). These ships subsequently passed through the waters between Amami Ōshima and Yokodō Island, heading northeast into the Pacific Ocean.
The Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces stated that the escort ship 'Maizuru' (JS Yahagi), belonging to the 4th Escort Flotilla, conducted surveillance and information gathering.
Concurrently, the Philippines today launched 'Balikatan,' a large-scale regular joint military exercise with the United States. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces' first official participation is a major focal point of this exercise.
According to Kyodo News, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces have participated as observers since 2012. This time, they are sending approximately 1,400 personnel and are expected to conduct live-fire training. Furthermore, multi-national joint exercises are scheduled in the South China Sea region, which may provoke a backlash from China, with whom the Philippines has territorial disputes.
At a press conference following the opening ceremony in Manila, the US side stated, 'Japan's participation is most welcome.' Major General Takeshi Higuchi of the Ground Self-Defense Force, Joint Staff Office, stated at the press conference that he hopes to 'further deepen mutual understanding among participating countries' through this exercise. (Editor: Xie Yixuan) 1150420
According to data released by the Joint Staff Office, the vessels included a Luyang III-class missile destroyer (hull number 133) and a Jiang Kai II-class frigate (hull number 577). These ships subsequently passed through the waters between Amami Ōshima and Yokodō Island, heading northeast into the Pacific Ocean.
The Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces stated that the escort ship 'Maizuru' (JS Yahagi), belonging to the 4th Escort Flotilla, conducted surveillance and information gathering.
Concurrently, the Philippines today launched 'Balikatan,' a large-scale regular joint military exercise with the United States. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces' first official participation is a major focal point of this exercise.
According to Kyodo News, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces have participated as observers since 2012. This time, they are sending approximately 1,400 personnel and are expected to conduct live-fire training. Furthermore, multi-national joint exercises are scheduled in the South China Sea region, which may provoke a backlash from China, with whom the Philippines has territorial disputes.
At a press conference following the opening ceremony in Manila, the US side stated, 'Japan's participation is most welcome.' Major General Takeshi Higuchi of the Ground Self-Defense Force, Joint Staff Office, stated at the press conference that he hopes to 'further deepen mutual understanding among participating countries' through this exercise. (Editor: Xie Yixuan) 1150420