Ministry 'confused' by Japan's hype on naval issue

The Ministry of National Defense said on Friday it is "deeply confused" over Japan's recent intention to hype up the reasonable and legitimate activities of Chinese naval ships near Japanese waters.

The comments were made after Japan, for the second consecutive day, said that a Chinese naval intelligence vessel sailed near its territorial waters.

"On Thursday, a Chinese naval ship passed through waters off Japan during normal navigation, and it was fully in accordance with the relevant principles of international law," the ministry said in a written statement.