Japan Monitors Russian Submarine Near Yonaguni

Japan's military has heightened its vigilance by dispatching a surveillance plane and a navy ship after spotting a Russian Kilo-class submarine about 31 miles south of Yonaguni Island, marking the first sighting of such a vessel in these waters. The submarine was observed moving northeast, accompanied by a Russian naval ship, but did not breach Japanese territorial waters. This incident raises concerns regarding increased foreign naval activity in the region, particularly as Japan has reported a rise in both Russian and Chinese military operations nearby. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara emphasized Japan's commitment to national security and stability in light of these developments. The sighting follows reports of a similar Russian submarine spotted in the South China Sea, prompting Japan to reinforce its military presence in strategically significant areas. Experts suggest that this may be part of broader military maneuvers or intelligence-gathering operations by Russia in collaboration with China.