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Japan claims first spotting of China's new submarine rescue ship in Tsushima Strait transit; experts say move, if confirmed, is normal, legitimate

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: Jul 25, 2025 11:24 PM

Japan claimed on Friday that its Maritime Self-Defense Force had for the first time spotted a new submarine rescue ship of China transiting the Tsushima Strait. Chinese military affairs experts said such a transit, if confirmed, would conform to the international law and practices, and could be a part of a normal far seas training session.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on Thursday spotted a new type of submarine rescue ship of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, which sailed northeast through the Tsushima Strait and entered the Sea of Japan on Friday, according to a press release from Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff on Friday.

This is the first time the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has confirmed the presence of this type of submarine rescue ship, according to the Japanese release.

Another press release from Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff on Thursday claimed that two Type 052D destroyers and a Type 903 comprehensive replenishment ship of the PLA Navy also sailed through the Tsushima Strait and entered the Sea of Japan on Thursday.

The Chinese side has not announced information related to the alleged movements as of press time.

Wang Yunfei, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Friday that if the Japanese release is accurate, the PLA Navy vessels could be conducting a far seas training mission featuring sessions on maritime rescue.

Zhang Junshe, another Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Friday that a submarine rescue ship is a type of vessel that, as the name suggests, supports submarine activities. In the event of a submarine accident, it can carry out emergency rescue mission. The alleged transit through the Tsushima Strait could be part of a normal training session.

Both experts said that the alleged voyage would be legitimate and in compliance with international law.

In response to concerns expressed by Japanese defense officials about the Chinese military's increased activities near Japan, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson at China's Ministry of National Defense, said at a media briefing on March 14 that the activities of the Chinese military in the relevant maritime and airspace are in full compliance with international law and practices.

They are legitimate, reasonable, and beyond reproach, the spokesperson noted. He said that, "We firmly oppose Japan's groundless accusations against China's normal exercises and training activities."