What happened
China has been conducting surveys in waters near Japan's southwestern islands, which could be part of its preparation for a possible invasion of Taiwan. A Chinese oceanographic research vessel, the Xiang Yang Hong 22, conducted five surveys in Japan's exclusive economic zone west of the Senkaku Islands between March and July. Experts warn that Tokyo would struggle to stay out of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait, as its southwestern islands would likely be drawn in.
The surveys could be used to collect ocean data for China's submarines to set ambushes and enforce a blockade. China's actions have been seen as a threat to Japan, with some experts saying that Beijing's goal is to keep rival forces from reaching a battle zone rather than confront them head-on.
The Japanese coast guard has recorded 13 cases of Chinese research vessels conducting unauthorized surveys in waters around Japan this year, up from six in all of 2025. Japan-China relations have soured since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that her country would be justified in activating its Self-Defense Forces if Taiwan were attacked.
