Chinese navy's far-seas training routine activity within annual plan: spokesman

BEIJING -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has sent its task group to conduct far-seas training in relevant waters, which is a routine activity within the PLAN's annual plan, according to a Chinese military spokesman.

The training is consistent with international law and customary international practice and does not target any specific country or target, said Chen Xi, spokesman with the Ministry of National Defense, at a news briefing on Thursday.

He made the remarks when responding to a query about Japan's recent claims of PLAN vessels' operations in waters near Japan, which some analysts thought to be a response to recent multinational maritime joint exercises involving the United States, Japan and other countries.

The training aims to further enhance the capabilities of Chinese troops in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, Chen added.