Chinese Naval Groups Conduct Drills Near Japan and Amphibious Exercises in South China Sea

PLAN Activity Near Japanese Islands

In recent weeks, two People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) surface action groups were observed sailing through the waters between Japan's Okinawa and Miyako Islands. According to the Japanese Joint Staff Office, these transits occurred over the past week, with one group spotted on a Friday and another on a Monday.

The first group, identified on a Friday around 10 a.m. local time, included destroyers CNS Huainan (123) and CNS Kaifeng (124), accompanied by fleet oiler CNS Dongpinghu (902). These vessels were seen sailing northwest approximately 124 miles southeast of Miyako Island before proceeding north into the East China Sea. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) monitored this transit using minesweeper JS Shishijima (MSC-691) and a P-3C Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).

A second PLAN surface action group was observed on the following Monday, traveling in the opposite direction. This group comprised destroyer CNS Tangshan (122), frigate CNS Daqing (576), and fleet oiler CNS Taihu (889). They were sighted sailing southeast 80 miles northeast of Miyako Island and subsequently moved south through the waters between Okinawa and Miyako Island to enter the Philippine Sea. Minesweeper JS Kuroshima (MSC-692) and a JMSDF P-3C Orion MPA conducted surveillance on these ships.

These movements follow earlier significant activities in December 2024, when the PLAN and China Coast Guard (CCG) conducted exercises simulating a naval blockade in the Miyako Strait. This operation involved three PLA Navy frigates, including Type 054A Jiangkai II-class frigates and a Jiangkai I frigate, alongside three CCG vessels, notably CCG 2901. Japanese military analysts interpreted these maneuvers as an intent to expand operational areas, potentially in preparation for a naval blockade of Taiwan.

Amphibious Drills in the South China Sea

Concurrently with naval activities near Japan, Chinese forces have been conducting various amphibious drills in the South China Sea. These exercises aim to showcase and enhance China's growing amphibious and replenishment capabilities, as well as expand its operational reach.

Key amphibious drills reported include:

• Late February 2025: A flotilla under the PLA Southern Theater Command conducted maritime training, featuring the Jinggangshan (Hull 999) amphibious dock landing ship, the Hainan (Hull 31) amphibious assault ship, and the Chaganhu (Hull 905) comprehensive supply ship. These drills included replenishment-at-sea operations, demonstrating the PLAN's ability to sustain extended deployments.
• March 2025: Amphibious landing drills were conducted in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, between March 4 and March 11. These exercises utilized specialized vessels, described by analysts as 'invasion barges,' capable of rapidly deploying military vehicles and troops onto beaches. Observers noted that these drills resembled those required for an island invasion, amid rising tensions over Taiwan.
• June 2025: The Eastern Theater Command's 72nd Group Army released footage of full-scale amphibious assault drills. These exercises involved air-cushion landing craft, live-fire wave assaults, and small boat operations, simulating conflict scenarios under 'complex conditions.'

Regional Implications and Japanese Concerns

Japan has consistently expressed concern over the increasing frequency and scale of Chinese military activities in the region. The Japanese Ministry of Defense has highlighted that China's intensifying military presence could 'seriously impact' its security. The transits through the Okinawa-Miyako area are particularly sensitive due to its strategic location within the 'first island chain' and its proximity to Taiwan.

Japanese officials view these maneuvers as part of Beijing's broader strategy to assert its maritime claims and enhance its power projection capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. The simulated blockade in the Miyako Strait, in particular, has been interpreted by analysts as a potential tactic in a Taiwan contingency, aiming to complicate Japan's response.