3 Chinese Navy Ships Circle Around Japan for Days

In a show of force by Beijing's burgeoning navy in disputed waters that have riled neighbors, China's aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, sailing with other ships holds a "live combat drill" in the East China Sea, on April 23, 2018. AFP via Getty Images

The Chinese People Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships were spotted circling around Japan for days from June 12, involving two Chinese guided-missile destroyers and one supply ship, Japan’s Defense Ministry said on June 30.

The ministry said in a statement (pdf) that Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) detected three Chinese navy ships sailing 130 kilometers (80 miles) northeast of Miyako Island and entering the disputed East China Sea on June 29.