On June 29, the JMSDF confirmed one Russian Steregushchiy class frigate (hull number 333) and Dubna class medium replenishment ship sailing northeast in waters 70km west of Goto Islands (Nagasaki Prefecture). These vessels sailed northeast through the Tsushima Strait and navigated to the Sea of Japan.

On June 30, the JMSDF confirmed one Chinese Renhai class destroyer (hull number 109) sailing southeast in waters 100km southwest of Kume Island (Okinawa Prefecture). This vessel then proceeded through the waters between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island into the Pacific Ocean.

On June 30, the JMSDF confirmed Russian Vishnya class Intelligence ship (hull number 208) sailing in waters 30km south of Kume Island (Okinawa Prefecture). The vessel then proceeded through the waters between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island into the Pacific Ocean.

On July 1, the JMSDF confirmed one Chinese Jiangkai-II class frigate (hull number 531) sailing west in waters 90km southwest of the Okinawa Island. This vessel then proceeded through the waters between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island into the South China Sea.

On July 1, JMSDF confirmed one Russian Slava class cruiser (hull number 011) and one Improved Kilo class submarine sailing south in the waters 70km northeast of Tsushima Island (Nagasaki Prefecture).

These vessels sailed southwest through the Tsushima Strait and navigated to the East China Sea.

On July 1, JMSDF confirmed one Russian Igor Belousov class submarine rescue ship and one Improved Altay class replenishment ship sailing southwest in the waters 60km northeast of Tsushima Island.

These vessels sailed southwest through the Tsushima Strait and navigated to the East China Sea.

The Japan Coast Guard’s 11th Regional Headquarters announced that the Chinese research vessel, which deployed what appeared to be a pipe into the water on June 28 and 29 in Japan’s EEZ near the Senkaku Islands, left the area on June 30. The Japan Coast Guard had repeatedly ordered the vessel via radio to halt its activities.

On July 1, the deputy head of Taiwan Coast Guard stated that Taiwanese vessels sailing off the island's east coast should refuse boarding inspections by the China Coast Guard, adding that Taiwan Coast Guard vessels would intervene if necessary. He also noted that China has no jurisdiction in Taiwanese waters.

China Coast Guard dispatched vessels into the waters off Taiwan’s east coast for a "special law-enforcement operation" last month, a move that Taiwan strongly opposed.

On June 30, a China Coast Guard ship demanded that a Japan Coast Guard vessel conducting a survey in Japan’s EEZ stop its operations and immediately leave the area. The Japanese vessel refused to comply with the demand, responding that the research was legitimate and in accordance with international law.

The Japanese government lodged a protest with China through diplomatic channels, stating that Japan is conducting a survey of its continental shelf and that the Chinese side's demand is unacceptable.

The Japan Coast Guard plans to continue the research until the end of July, as scheduled.

On June 30, the Chinese Foreign Minister and the US Secretary of State held a phone call. During the call, the Chinese minister stated that the US should treat the Taiwan issue with 'the utmost caution', adding that a slight move related to Taiwan might affect the whole situation. He also noted that both sides should work together to manage all kinds of risks.

On July 1, a China Coast Guard ship once again demanded that a Japan Coast Guard vessel conducting an ocean survey in Japan’s EEZ stop its operations. This followed a similar demand made to another Japanese vessel on June 30. In response, the Japanese government lodged another protest hrough diplomatic channels.

The China Coast Guard ship repeatedly demanded a halt to the survey, but the Japanese vessel continued its work, responding that the research was legitimate and in accordance with international law.

On June 2, a Japan-India Summit Meeting was held in Delhi. Following the summit, the two leaders issued the Japan-India Annual Summit Joint Statement and other documents. The leaders confirmed that Japan's Updated "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) and

India's "MAHASAGAR" share the same objective: to foster the Indo-Pacific as "a prosperous sea enjoying freedom and prosperity." They also agreed to deepen their strategic cooperation. Additionally, the two leaders held discussions on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, including various issues surrounding China

On June 30, China’s Navy and Coast Guard conducted a patrol mission in the waters around Scarborough Reef to assert Chinese territorial claims.

This patrol followed a joint military exercise conducted by the US and the Philippines in nearby waters on June 27 and 28. The US carried out the exercise to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)'.

The Japanese Government has lodged a protest with the Chinese Government through diplomatic channels, stating that China’s unilateral gas exploration near the geographical median line in the East China Sea is unacceptable. China’s ongoing activities, including the construction of offshore platforms capable of supporting permanent drilling, run counter to a 2008 bilateral agreement on joint resource development.

According to the JCG, a Chinese maritime survey vessel was seen deploying what appeared to be a wire into the water within Japan’s EEZ on July 3. A JCG patrol vessel demanded that the ship immediately cease its activities, stating that conducting research without the Japanese government’s approval is impermissible.

The Chinese Government issued a legal warning to Japan and the Philippines, stating that maritime boundary negotiations between the two countries without consulting Beijing are illegal, and urged them to engage in talks with China instead.

The Australian Government has expressed concern to Beijing over Chinese maritime activities near Taiwan. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said that Australia maintains a strong interest in peace, stability, unimpeded trade, and freedom of navigation, and is opposed to any unilateral action to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

The Philippines President and the Canadian Prime Minister have agreed to elevate the relationship between the two countries to a strategic partnership.

The two leaders discussed the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

On July 3, Japan-Marshall Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting took place in Tokyo, where both sides confirmed the importance to enhance the autonomy and resilience in the Indo-Pacific based on the updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), in addition to exchanging views on regional situations in East Asia.

On July 4, China announced the launch of new 'law enforcement patrols' in the waters east of Taiwan, aiming to 'safeguard China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.'

In response to this move, the Taiwan Coast Guard dispatched vessels to monitor the Chinese ships, declaring that it would take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and ensure the security of its maritime domains.

On July 5, China and Russia announced that they would conduct the joint annual naval exercise named “Joint Sea-2026” in July, followed by joint maritime patrols in the Pacific Ocean. China added that the aim of the exercise was to address security challenges and maintain regional peace and stability.

On July 6, China launched a strategic ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead from a Chinese Navy nuclear-powered submarine into international waters in the Pacific Ocean. China maintained that the launch was part of an annual exercise and conducted in accordance with international law.

However, other countries criticized the missile test as destabilizing to the region. The Japanese government strongly opposed the missile launch and demanded that the Chinese government reconsider it, as the missile was expected to fly over Japanese territory and a "restricted area" related to the test had been established in Japan’s EEZ. The U.S., the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and many Pacific Island countries also expressed concern.

According to the secretary general of Taiwan's National Security Council, the SLBM was a JL-2 and flew over the Philippine main island’s airspace before landing in the Pacific Ocean between Nauru and Tonga.

On July 6, the Japan Joint Staff confirmed one Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft flying from the continent through the East China Sea toward the area south of the Danjo Islands, Nagasaki Prefecture. The aircraft flew southwest to the area northwest of Okinawa Island on the East China Sea, then circled before turning back. It then flew north toward the area southwest of the Danjo Islands, changed course, and proceeded toward the continent.

In response, the JASDF scrambled fighter jets.

Australia and Fiji signed a new mutual defense pact named the "Ocean of Peace Alliance" on July 6. This is the fourth mutual defense pact for Australia and the first such pact for Fiji. For Australia, deepening defense cooperation with Fiji is important to counter Chinese influence in the Pacific region.

On July 7, according to the JCG, two Chinese government vessels entered Japan’s territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Their hull numbers are 1301 and 1302. They tried to approach a Japanese fishing boat operating in the area and remained in the waters for about 7 hours. This was the first confirmed entry of Chinese government ships into the area since June 10.

On July 7, the meeting between the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its Indo-Pacific Partners (IP4: Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea (ROK)) was held in Ankara.

During the meeting, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable, emphasizing that it is highly important for the IP4 and NATO to gather and confirm their solidarity. Additionally, the Minister of Defense of Japan noted that the need for NATO-IP4 cooperation has never been greater, especially given that no single nation can ensure its security alone.

On July 7, the JMSDF confirmed one Chinese Luyang-Ⅱ class destroyer (hull number 153) and one Jiangkai-II class frigate (hull number 599) sailing west in waters 50km northeast of Amami Island (Kagoshima Prefecture). The vessel then navigated through the waters between Amami Island and Yokoate Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) into the East China Sea.

On July 7, a Japan-Kuwait Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in Ankara. During the meeting, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs explained the intention to update the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and stated that Japan wished to share this vision and deepen coordination with Kuwait. In response, the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister stated that he also wanted to deepen cooperation with Japan.

On July 7, a Japan-EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in Ankara. The Japanese Foreign Minister explained the concept of the updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” and stated that Japan wishes to continue working with the EU. In response, the EU High Representative stated that she seeks to strengthen cooperation between the EU and Indo-Pacific countries.

On July 7, a Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in Ankara.

In the Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, both sides exchanged views on the regional situation in the Indo-Pacific, and confirmed that they would continue to maintain close communication in responding to developments in the international situation in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East.

In the Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, two ministers discussed the importance of strategic coordination between two countries and concurred to close communication.

On July 7, a Japan-Netherlands Defense Ministerial Meeting was held in Ankara. The two ministers exchanged views on regional affairs and reaffirmed that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is inseparable. They also confirmed that they would work closely together to create a stable security environment.

On July 7, a Japan-Sweden Defense Ministerial Meeting was held in Ankara. The two ministers discussed regional affairs and shared the recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is inseparable, and concurred on strengthening cooperation.

On July 7, a Japan-Denmark Defense Ministerial Meeting was held in Ankara. The two ministers shared the recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is inseparable. They also discussed reginal affairs and defense cooperation between the two countries.

On July 6, China and Russia announced the start of their annual naval exercise, “Joint Sea-2026,” off the coast of Qingdao. China deployed missile destroyers, frigates, and other vessels, while Russia dispatched missile cruisers, frigates, submarines, and other vessels. After the exercise, some of the participating vessels will conduct joint maritime patrols in the Pacific Ocean.

The Philippine Defense Secretary announced that the Philippine Navy will acquire five Abukuma-class destroyer escorts from Japan. The Abukuma-class ships were commissioned between 1989 and 1993 and were originally scheduled to be retired in the next few years. The two countries have deepened their defense cooperation recently to respond to Chinese maritime activities.

On July 7, a Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and a Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting were held in Ankara. In the Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, both sides exchanged views on the regional situation in the Indo-Pacific and confirmed that they would continue to maintain close communication in responding to developments in the international situation in both the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East. In the Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the two ministers discussed the importance of strategic coordination between their countries and concurred on maintaining close communication.

On July 8, a Japan-Germany Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in Ankara. The Japanese Foreign Minister explained Japan’s intention to continue working closely with Germany on the Updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”. In response, the German Foreign Minister noted that Germany intends to further strengthen its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

On July 8, the Defense Minister of Japan held a meeting with the Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Islands Affairs in Ankara. Both Ministers confirmed their intention to further strengthen defense equipment and technology cooperation between the two countries, and exchanged views on the regional situation surrounding the Pacific Island countries.

On July 8, a Chinese research institute released a report disputing the Philippines' territorial claims in the South China Sea. The move is seen as Beijing's attempt to counter the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling, an award that China has consistently rejected.

On July 8, an international forum on maritime security and other issues was held in Taipei, attended by experts from 16 countries and regions, including Japan and the U.S. During the forum, the head of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council stated that the status quo in the First Island Chain—a wide area connecting Japan's Nansei Islands to the Philippines—has been altered by China’s military pressure. She emphasized that a coordinated international response, such as the establishment of an early warning mechanism, is necessary to counter the Chinese threat.

A Chinese maritime survey vessel left Japan’s EEZ on July 8. Previously, on July 3, the vessel had deployed what appeared to be a cable within the EEZ, and was required to cease operations by the JCG.

According to the JCG, four China Coast Guard vessels that were operating in the contiguous zone around the Senkaku Islands left on July 8 to avoid an approaching typhoon. This ended a streak of 236 consecutive days of Chinese vessel deployments, the second-longest since 2012..

On July 9, the Prime Minister of New Zealand announced that New Zealand is considering the possibility of joining the new mutual defense pact between Australia and Fiji, named the "Ocean of Peace Alliance". He stated that New Zealand and Australia have strong ties, and New Zealand also has an enduring relationship with Fiji, so it is "logical" to become a member of this alliance.

An India-Australia summit was held in Melbourne on July 9. As members of the Quad, both countries agreed to deepen their cooperation in defense and maritime security. They also agreed to strengthen economic security cooperation and signed an agreement to export Australian uranium to India for peaceful purposes.

On July 9, the Minister of Defense of Japan held a meeting with Australia's Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for the Pacific Islands and the Minister of Defence of New Zealand in Ankara. The three Ministers confirmed that the three countries would work together to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific. They also expressed concern about the recent missile launch conducted by China and shared the view that China’s military activity poses a serious concern for international peace.

On July 7, the JMSDF confirmed one Chinese Dongdiao class intelligence collection ship (hull number 795) and one Haijiu 101 class salvage and rescue ship (hull number 861) sailing northwest in waters 80km east of Tanegashima Island (Kagoshima Prefecture). These vessels sailed west through the Osumi Strait and navigated to the East China Sea.

On July 9, the JMSDF confirmed one Russian Steregushchiy class frigate (hull number 335) sailing east in waters 70km northwest of Rebun Island (Hokkaido Prefecture). JMSDF also confirmed this vessel sailed east through the Soya Strait.

On July 10, the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan attended the Commemorative Conference on the 10th Anniversary of the Arbitral Award. Speaking at the conference, he stated that the Arbitral Award marked a crucial milestone for the South China Sea and that Japan would continue to play a proactive role in maintaining and strengthening a maritime order based on the rule of law.

On July 10, a Japan-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in Tokyo. The Japanese Foreign Minister explained Japan’s intention to continue strengthening bilateral relations as “Strategic Cooperative Partners” that share common values, such as a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”. The two ministers discussed the regional situation in the Indo-Pacific region, including issues surrounding China.

On July 7, Russia announced that its Minister of Education visited Etorofu Island. This marks the first visit by a Russian cabinet-level official to the Northern Territories in two years. Japan protested to the Russian Embassy in Tokyo, stating that the visit is unacceptable.

On July 12, Japan, the Philippines, the United States, and 11 other countries issued a joint statement urging China to accept the 2016 arbitral tribunal decision. In the statement, they stated that the arbitration ruling is final and legally binding, and that China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea are illegal. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the arbitration tribunal and its ruling are unjust and unlawful, adding that “China opposes and will never accept any claim or action” based on the ruling.

On July 13, a Japan-India Defense Political Dialogue was held between the Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs of Japan and the Defence Secretary of India in Tokyo. They exchanged views on regional matters, including bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and concurred on further strengthening coordination between the two countries to implement the outcomes agreed upon by the leaders at the Japan-India Summit Meeting.

On July 13, Taiwan’s military launched a five-day joint military exercise to reinforce the integration of Army, Navy, and Air Force capabilities for joint operations. The Marine Corps also played an important role in this mission by conducting mobile reinforcement operations.

On July 13, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Viet Nam paid a courtesy call on the Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan. The Chief Cabinet Secretary noted that Japan aims to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”. Both sides confirmed their coordination on key international and regional matters including the situation in the South China Sea.

On July 14, Mr. Alexander Radwan, a Member of the German Parliament, paid a courtesy call on the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan in Tokyo. The Parliamentary Vice-Minister stated the importance of Japan deepening cooperation with Germany under the current international situation, and expressed Japan’s intention to cooperate with Germany in realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” They also exchanged views on regional issues in East Asia.