28 November 2011

News Story: China Defends Naval Drills in Western Pacific

Chinese state media say a planned naval exercise that is causing concern in Japan is not related to recent maritime tensions in the Pacific region.

Japan's defense ministry reported Wednesday that six Chinese naval vessels have crossed between two of its islands into the western Pacific Ocean. The NHK television network said one of the vessels was an intelligence-gathering ship.

China's defense ministry announced hours later that it is planning a naval training exercise in the western Pacific. It said the drill will adhere to relevant international laws and practice and is not directed against any particular country.

Read the full story at Voice of America