Chinese Submarine Rescue Ship Spotted in Japan’s Waters
A Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Dakai-class submarine’s rescue vessel recently sailed through the Tsushima Strait, making it the first time a Chinese submarine support ship was seen in the area, according to Japanese officials.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force reported that the PLAN Ship with hull no. 841 was observed approximately 205 miles west of Japan’s Goto Islands.
The Chinese vessel navigated through the Tsushima Strait to enter the Sea of Japan, as confirmed by the Japan Joint Staff Office.
Japanese patrol aircraft from Kanoya Air Base on Kyushu and Fleet Air Wing 4 at Naval Air Facility Atsugi on the main island of Honshu shadowed the PLAN ship during its passage.
The Dakai-class is the newest submarine rescue ship, having entered service in 2024.
Additionally, around 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, PLAN destroyers CNS Urmuqi and CNS Shoxinf along with fleet oiler CNS Qiandaohu were sighted sailing northeast in the area 55 miles west of the Goto Islands. The surface group traversed the Tsushima Strait to enter the Sea of Japan.
Surveillance on the PLAN vessels was conducted by Japan’s fast attack craft JS Shirataka and a P-1 MPA of Fleet Air Wing 1.
The purpose of the presence of the PLAN ships in the region remains unknown, whether they are engaged in independent operations or heading towards a bilateral agreement with the Russian Pacific Fleet.
The Russian Navy commenced its July Storm Fleet readiness exercise on Wednesday, which involved forces from the Russian Navy’s Northern, Pacific, and Baltic Fleets along with the Caspian Flotilla.
In 2024, the PLAN took part in the Pacific segment of the Russian Navy’s Ocean 2024 exercise. PLAN ships have previously transited through the Sea of Japan for long-range deployments up to the Bering Sea.
It is unclear whether the Dakai-class 841 is on a submarine support deployment or undergoing training before its submarine support missions.
Earlier this week, the PLAN Dongdiao-class surveillance ship Tianlangxing (794) was spotted 80 miles northeast of Miyako Island before entering the East China Sea.