Five Chinese Ballistic Missiles Appear To Have Landed In Japan's EEZ: Defence Minister

Japan Defence Ministry said that all five of the missiles that landed within Japan's EEZ had fallen into waters southwest of Hateruma Island in Okinawa Prefecture.

The Defense Ministry said all five of the missiles landed within Japan's EEZ. (Image: AFP)

At least five ballistic missiles launched by China's Pepople Liberation Army (PLA) during military exercises around Taiwan on Thursday have reportedly landed inside the Exclusive Economic Zone in Japan, news agency Reuters quoted Japenese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi as saying. According to reports, China began its largest ever military exercise in the Taiwan Strait two days after United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan. 

"To have five Chinese missiles fall within Japan's EEZ like this is a first," Kishi told reporters adding that the country has protested strongly through diplomatic channels.

Informing about the incident, Japan Defence Ministry said that all five of the missiles that landed within Japan's EEZ had fallen into waters southwest of Hateruma Island in Okinawa Prefecture. EEZ stretches 200 nautical miles from the outer limits of Japan's territorial seas. "This is a grave issue that concerns our country's national security and people's safety," Kishi said further during the presser.

According to reports, four of the missiles were believed to have flown over Taipei before landing in Japan's EEZ.

The development is considered to be a major escalation by Beijing. Several missiles from North Korea have fallen within a different part of Japan's EEZ, including many in a flurry of launches earlier this year.

China has deployed scores of planes and fired live missiles near Taiwan earlier in the day during its military drill that the country launched two days after Pelosi made a solidarity trip to the self-ruled island.

A report by Reuters stated that China's military confirmed multiple firings of conventional missiles in waters off Taiwan as part of planned exercises in six zones.

China even activated more than 100 planes, including fighter jets and bombers, and over 10 warships, Japenese media reported.

"The U.S.-Taiwan collusion and provocation will only push Taiwan towards the abyss of disaster, bringing catastrophe to Taiwan compatriots," Reuters quoted a Chinese defence ministry spokesperson as saying.