木原官房長官「沖ノ鳥島は国連海洋法条約上の島」　中国の主張を否定【もっと知りたい！】【グッド！モーニング】(2026年7月23日)

In response to China's claim that Okinotorishima, located at Japan's southernmost point, is a "rock," Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru clearly denied it, stating that it is an "island." ■Chinese Foreign Ministry: "Violation of International Law" Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara: "Okinotorishima is an island under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and possesses an exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Therefore, China's claim is unfounded." Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara refuting China's claims. The incident began with a live-fire exercise conducted by the Chinese Navy on the 19th within Japan's exclusive economic zone southwest of Okinotorishima. However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry maintains the legitimacy of the live-fire exercise. Lin Jian, Deputy Director of the Information Department, Chinese Foreign Ministry: "'Okinotori' is a reef, not an island. Claiming Japan's Okinotori Reef as an island and asserting its exclusive economic zone is a violation of international law." Okinotorishima, which China claims is a "rock." Located at Japan's southernmost tip, the island's surrounding Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends approximately 420,000 square kilometers. Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara stated that Japan has effectively controlled Okinotorishima as an island since 1931, asserting that the authority to establish an EEZ in the surrounding waters and the island's status are already established. "The firing exercises could endanger the navigation of surrounding vessels, and therefore, we have already made a request to China through diplomatic channels." ■ Mr. Rubio: "Concerns about Japan-China Relations" Prior to the firing exercises, four Chinese and Russian vessels intruded into Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone, prompting Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to express his concern. "Towards the international community, we will make the most of opportunities like this trip, and will continue to seize every opportunity to explain and communicate the facts and our country's position." U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, attending the ASEAN meeting, made this statement when asked by reporters about Japan-China relations after his meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister. "We have a deep history of cooperation with Japan, and this will continue. However, we are watching with concern." (From the broadcast on July 23, 2026) [TV Asahi NEWS] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp