Summary
Chinese naval activity has increased in the North Pacific, with a Chinese spy ship recently passing through Japan's Tsugaru Strait. Japan is monitoring these movements as China expands its naval operations to challenge U.S.-led alliances in the region.
Key Facts
- A Chinese spy ship, CNS Kaiyangxing, passed through the Tsugaru Strait in Japan, heading to the North Pacific.
- The Tsugaru Strait is one of five international waterways near Japan where territorial waters extend less than 12 nautical miles from the coast.
- China has the world's largest navy by the number of ships and submarines, over 370 in total.
- Japan regularly tracks Chinese naval ships passing through international waterways near its territory.
- Three other Chinese ships, including destroyers and a replenishment ship, moved through the Soya Strait in late September.
- The movements are part of China's growing military presence in the region, seen as a challenge to U.S.-led alliances.
- Japan's defense documents highlight increased Chinese activities in nearby seas and emphasize strategic points like the Senkaku Islands.
