Global Times military commentator Song Zhongping said Japan is trying to draw NATO countries deeper into Asia-Pacific affairs as part of its effort to counter China. He argued that Tokyo is also seeking to portray joint Russian-Chinese military drills as a threat to regional security.

According to Song, Japan understands that it cannot rely solely on its alliance with the United States and therefore wants greater NATO involvement in the Indo-Pacific to increase pressure on China.

He pointed to a recent statement by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who linked Russian-Chinese military cooperation to security in both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions. Song said this rhetoric fuels confrontation between military-political blocs and creates additional risks for regional stability.

The commentator also addressed Okinotorishima, describing it as a reef rather than a full-fledged island. In his view, Japan cannot establish an exclusive economic zone around it under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. He therefore argued that the passage of Russian and Chinese vessels through nearby waters does not fall under Tokyo’s jurisdiction.

Russia and China held the Maritime Interaction 2026 drills near Qingdao from July 6 to 13. After the exercise ended, ships from both countries began joint patrols. China’s Defense Ministry said the activity was not directed against any third country.