Japan Fires Surface-to-Ship Missiles and Sinks Old Warship in Exercises With US Forces

Japan fired surface-to-ship missiles and sank an old warship in waters between the Philippines and Taiwan during major military exercises that included U.S. forces, according to AFP. The live-fire drills occurred as part of an ongoing series of joint training activities in the region.

Japanese forces targeted a decommissioned vessel with missiles before sinking it. The exercises are designed to test coordination and capabilities between the participating militaries.

The waters between the Philippines and Taiwan have seen increased military activity in recent years. The drills come at a time of elevated tensions in the broader Indo-Pacific area. No specific dates for the missile firings were provided beyond their occurrence during the current exercises.

China has expressed anger over the drills. The objection reflects longstanding sensitivities regarding military activities near its claimed areas of interest. The exercises did not involve any reported incidents beyond the planned sinking of the target vessel.