A Chinese navy ship designed to rescue submarines was recently seen sailing near Japan. This ship, known for helping submarines in danger, was moving through the East China Sea on July 24.

A Rare Sighting Near Japan Raises Eyebrows

Japan’s military noticed the ship, which had the number “841” on its side. It was later identified as a Dakai-class submarine rescue ship. This was the first time Japan has spotted this particular vessel in the area.

The ship later passed through the Tsushima Strait, a narrow waterway between Japan and South Korea, and entered the Sea of Japan. This area, also called the East Sea by North and South Korea, borders Russia, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula. The ship seemed to be moving toward Russian waters.

This movement happened at the same time Russia was holding large-scale naval exercises. These drills took place across the Pacific Ocean and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere between July 23 and 27. The timing of the Chinese ship’s presence raised questions, especially since China and Russia have been working more closely together in recent years.

China’s Navy Keeps Expanding Far from Home

China has the biggest navy in the world by the number of ships and submarines. It now has more than 370 vessels. Over time, China has increased its naval presence beyond its nearby seas. It has also been moving into areas farther away, including near Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, which are U.S. territories.

Earlier in June, two of China’s aircraft carriers were seen operating at the same time in the Western Pacific. This shows how China is testing and expanding its ability to work in distant waters, which it calls the “far seas.”

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The Chinese navy has also built new support ships to help submarines. The Dakai-class ship seen near Japan is one of three built by China. Another type, called the Dafeng-class, also helps submarines. These ships are large and modern. They allow China to support its submarines over long distances.

Experts believe that this latest ship movement may involve a Chinese submarine. This is because China has been growing and updating its fleet of submarines, especially the nuclear-powered ones. These new ships are part of a larger plan to increase support for submarines working far from Chinese shores.

Japan Keeps Watch as China Steps Up Activity

Japan is part of what is known as the “first island chain.” This chain also includes Taiwan and the Philippines. It is an important line of defense in the U.S. strategy to contain China’s military movement in the Pacific. Japan often spots Chinese planes and ships near its land and sea borders.

So when a Chinese rescue ship suddenly showed up, Japan took notice. The Joint Staff Office of Japan’s Defense Ministry confirmed the ship’s presence and its route through the region. The Japanese military continues to monitor these movements closely.

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While the Chinese ship may be part of a regular operation, its timing with Russian naval drills is interesting. It is not yet clear if the ship will return by the same route or whether it was supporting another Chinese submarine in the area.

China’s navy is focused on building a strong submarine force. The U.S. Pentagon reported that China has six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel or air-independent ones. Even as older submarines are retired, new ones are being built. The fleet is expected to reach 65 submarines by 2025 and grow even more by 2035.

For now, Japan and other countries in the region are keeping a close eye on China’s navy as it moves farther from home and enters sensitive waters.