Japan and South Korea, United States security allies in Northeast Asia, have recently strengthened their mine warfare capabilities amid China's growing naval presence.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request from Newsweek for comment.

Why It Matters

Chinese warships have frequently been spotted near Japan , an important U.S. ally in the Pacific island chains, including a circumnavigation of Japanese territories earlier this month. The Chinese military also maintains a strong vessel presence in disputed Yellow Sea waters, which South Korea views as an attempt to militarize the area.

What To Know

A naval mine, an explosive device deployed in the water, is designed to destroy ships and submarines and to deny the enemy access to specific ocean areas

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