PLA's far-sea training is routine, says spokesman

The far-sea training conducted by a task group of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy is a routine activity under its annual training plan, which is in accordance with international law and does not target any specific country or objective, a Chinese defense ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Chen Xi, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to the recent announcements issued by Japan's Ministry of Defense claiming that around 10 PLA Navy vessels had been operating in waters near Japan.

Some analysts said that the Chinese naval vessels transited through shipping lanes around Japan to the western Pacific to demonstrate their operational capabilities and respond to recent multinational maritime exercises involving the United States, Japan and other countries.

In response, Chen said the PLA Navy task group's far-sea training in the relevant waters was a routine arrangement under its annual training plan.

He said that the training is consistent with international law and customary international practice and is not directed at any specific country or target.

"It aimed to further enhance our troops' capabilities in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests," he added.