A Chinese naval fleet including 5 major naval ships passed through the Miyako Strait and entered West Pacific Ocean for a routine training exercise on Wednesday.
One of the goals of the training is to escort large surface ships. Naval experts said the training was in preparation for the to-be aircraft carrier formation.
As China announced the naval fleet training a day ahead, people interpreted this as a sign showing the People’s Liberation Army have boosted confidence and are therefore getting more transparent.
By standard practice, the Ministry of National Defense would always announce the drills afterwards or confirmed the issue of the kind after it has been widely reported.
“This is a goodwill action China took to ease the tense situation around Okinawa waters between China and Japan,” a Japanese government official said.
“As many as five major naval ships with comprehensive capabilities took part in the training, which could escort large surface ships effectively,” said Li Jie, a researcher at Chinese Navy's Military Academy.
“As we already have aircraft carrier, training of the like may be preparations for the aircraft carrier formation,” he analyzed.
“Escorting large surface ships including aircraft carrier and amphibious assault ships is a have-to for China’s blue water training. We will see more such activities in the future,” he added.
China's carrier not copycat of US's: spokesman
A Defense Ministry spokesman refuted allegations made by some foreign meida saying that China’s shipboard aircraft and even directive gesticulations, which have stirred a nationwide carrier fever these days, emulate that of the U.S. at a regular press conference on Thursday.
“Most weaponry enjoys the same operating principles, and some of the gesticulations used to direct fighters are similar. It is unprofessional to rush the conclusion that China copies the technologies and routines of foreign carriers only by simple comparisons.” Spokesman Geng Yangsheng said.
“China has the capacity and wisdom to build its own aircraft carrier.” Geng added.
China values military transparency: spokesman
China attaches importance to military transparency. The recent J-15 fighter jets’ landing test is an illustration of this.
“We announced the successful landing through media as soon as possible. “ Geng said.
“China's navy chief Wu Shengli also briefed the US secretary of the Navy on test trials of the country's first aircraft carrier and the successful aircraft landing tests.” Geng added.
Geng emphasized that the development of China's military hardware is to maintain national security and is not aimed at any other country or any specific target. Chinese army will always be a staunch force in safeguarding regional peace and stability.
As to Chinese naval fleet conducting training exercise in West Pacific Ocean, Geng said the training is planned, and is in accordance with international laws and practices. China will continue such activities in the future.
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