First confirmation from the Japanese side! Chinese amphibious assault ship passes by Kagoshima destroyer | Attack | First time
This is the first time Japan has confirmed that the People's Liberation Army amphibious assault ship has entered the Pacific Ocean through this strait.
According to reports from the Ministry of Defense cited by the Japan Broadcasting Association, on the noon of June 29th, a Chinese People's Liberation Army amphibious assault ship and a destroyer were sailing off the coast of Kagoshima Prefecture. The Self Defense Force confirmed that the two ships had entered the Pacific Ocean after passing through the Otsu Strait.
According to reports, in the past, Chinese People's Liberation Army destroyers, frigates, and supply ships passed through the Otsu Strait. This is the first time that Japan has confirmed that Chinese People's Liberation Army amphibious assault ships entered the Pacific Ocean through the Otsu Strait. According to sources from the Ministry of Defense, these PLA warships may undergo long-term training in the Pacific. The Ministry of Defense is continuing its vigilance and surveillance.
According to reports, when the People's Liberation Army amphibious assault ship sailed about 40 kilometers south of the Caoyuan Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, the Self Defense Force confirmed that a helicopter took off from the ship and then landed on a destroyer. In response to the emergency takeoff of the Japan Air Self Defense Force fighter jet, the People's Liberation Army helicopter did not enter Japanese airspace.
![First confirmation from the Japanese side! Chinese amphibious assault ship passes by Kagoshima destroyer | Attack | First time](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/5aeb8b221db3c705afc3f271274b0940.jpg)
The report states that amphibious assault ships are large surface warships with displacement second only to aircraft carriers. After the first amphibious assault ship of the People's Liberation Army entered service in 2021, three have been in service so far.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense has released photos of Chinese Navy amphibious assault ships and destroyers.