BEIJING, July 9 -- "The training is consistent with international law and customary international practice and does not target any specific country or target," 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 transit through 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 being 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 PLAN has sent its task group to conduct far-seas training in relevant waters. It is a routine activity within the PLAN's annual plan.

"It aims to further enhance the capabilities of our troops in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests," stressed the spokesperson.