China calls for respect for freedom of navigation

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense on Dec 10 confirmed a scheduled passage of Chinese naval vessels through international waters near Japan, and called on other countries in the region to respect China's lawful freedom of navigation and overflight.

Japanese media on Dec 10 quoted Japanese Defense Ministry as saying that Chinese naval ships sailed toward the East China Sea through the waters between Yonaguni and Iriomote islands in Okinawa prefecture earlier that day.

Japan's Kyodo news agency said the move itself "is not an issue under international law".

An official of the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense told China Daily that the Chinese naval fleet sailed for the western Pacific in a regular training mission, which was arranged as a part of an annual plan and complies with international laws and practices.

China previously issued related information, which shows the openness and transparency of the Chinese armed forces, the official said.

The affected area of the western Pacific is an area where all countries have the rights of navigational freedom, and China will continue training in the waters there, the ministry said.

The ministry called on all countries to respect Chinese naval vessels' lawful freedom of navigation and overflight, which they are entitled to under international law.