Chinese military training in W Pacific 'routine'

BEIJING - Chinese military planes' recent training in the West Pacific is a routine task in line with the annual schedule, not aimed at any other country or any specific target, the Ministry of National Defense said on Monday.

The planes, belonging to the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, carried out their training in accordance with relevant international laws and practices, the Information Bureau of the Ministry said on its website.

"China enjoys freedom of overflight in relevant waters," the bureau said. "The Chinese military will organize similar routine activity in the future."

Japanese media reports said Sunday two Chinese H-6 bombers flew a round trip from the East China Sea to the Pacific Ocean without violating Japanese airspace the same day after overflying waters between the Okinawa islands.