“The Chinese naval task group’s far-seas training in relevant waters aims to further enhance the Chinese military’s capabilities in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests,” said a Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense recently issued several announcements, claiming that approximately 10 Chinese PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels have been operating intensively in waters near Japan.
Some analysts believe that the Chinese naval vessels transited through the shipping lanes around Japan to the Western Pacific, with the aim of demonstrating combat capabilities and responding to recent multinational maritime joint exercises involving the U.S., Japan and other countries.
When asked to comment on the above reports, Senior Colonel Chen Xi, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND), pointed out that the Chinese PLA Navy has sent its task group to conduct far-seas training in relevant waters. It is a routine activity within the PLAN’s annual plan.
“The training is consistent with international law and customary international practice and does not target any specific country or target,” stressed the spokesperson.