Chinese vessels tracked by Japanese aircraft and ships

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force's P-3C patrol aircraft and Destroyer "Hatsuyuki Class" spotted at a position 540km away from the Okinawa Island the 054A-type frigate "Yancheng" (546), the 053H3-type frigate "Luoyang" (527) and the 903-type comprehensive supply ship "Taihu" (889) of the North China Sea Fleet of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) heading northeast outside the first island chain at about 05:00 on July 12, Beijing time, according to the news from the Joint Staff Office (JSO) of the Japanese Ministry of Defense.

The Japanese aircraft and destroyer followed the Chinese PLAN taskforce and photographed it continuously. It is reported that the PLAN taskforce crossed the Miyako Strait and headed northwest later that day, and is estimated to have crossed the first island chain and entered the East China Sea waters.