China conducts rare live-fire drill inside Japan's claimed EEZ

China conducted a live-fire naval drill within Japan's claimed exclusive economic zone. Tokyo lodged a diplomatic protest, citing potential navigation dangers and safety concerns. Beijing dismissed Japan's protest, disputing the legal basis for the EEZ claim. This exercise is viewed as part of growing military coordination between China and Russia. The incident revives a long-standing dispute over Okinotorishima's status.