Ankara: Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin stated on Thursday that the recent China-Russia joint maritime patrol occurred on the high seas, countering Japan's claims that it took place within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

According to Anadolu Agency, Japan's Defense Ministry reported that four Chinese and Russian naval vessels were observed near Okinotorishima, a remote Pacific atoll identified by Tokyo as its southernmost island. Additionally, a Chinese guided-missile destroyer conducted a live-fire drill in waters Japan considers part of its EEZ. However, Jiang dismissed Japan's assertions regarding Okinotorishima, clarifying that the feature is a reef and does not qualify to generate an EEZ under international law.

Jiang argued that Japan's designation of the reef as an island, thereby claiming an EEZ and continental shelf, lacks legal validity. Reports from Chinese state media on Wednesday confirmed the conclusion of the China-Russia maritime patrol with the naval formation's arrival in Vladivostok, Russia. This patrol was part of the annual cooperation plan between the two militaries, aimed at enhancing joint operational capabilities and addressing maritime security threats.

Jiang emphasized that the operations conducted by China and Russia adhere to both international law and customary international law. Additionally, he addressed maritime tensions with the Philippines, asserting that defense and security cooperation among relevant countries should not target third parties or compromise regional peace and stability.

Commenting on the South China Sea activities involving the US, Japan, and the Philippines from July 21-25, Jiang reiterated China's stance on Huangyan Dao, known internationally as Scarborough Shoal and as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines. He affirmed that Huangyan Dao is inherently Chinese territory, asserting that the Philippines' territorial claims, defined by international treaties, do not encompass this feature.

Jiang concluded by stating that the Chinese military is committed to safeguarding China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights while maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.