Chinese drone training in line with international law, practice

BEIJING - China said that the training and flight of its military aircraft, including drones, over relevant areas of the East China Sea are in line with international law and practice.

Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng made the remarks at a press briefing Saturday in response to a question on Japan's plan to shoot down drones that infringe into its airspace.

"Chinese aircraft have never infringed on other countries' airspace, and China never allows other countries' aircraft to infringe on China's airspace," Geng said.

Geng said that if Japan took the so called moves, it would be a severe provocation to China and an act of war, and China will take resolute measures to strike back. The Japanese side shall be responsible for the consequence.

Geng also said that on Oct. 23, a Japanese fishing boat sent a distress signal from a prohibited area in the Pacific where the Chinese navy was conducting shooting training.

China provided convenience to Japanese vessels coming to the area for rescue out of humanitarian concern.