(Source: huanqiu.com)On Sep. 8, 2013, two Chinese military H-6 bombers flied over the airspace of the international waters between Okinawa and Miyako Island, which aroused vigilance of Japan.

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

The announcement, carried on the website of the Chinese ministry's information bureau, came after its Japanese counterpart said on Sunday that two Chinese H-6 bombers flew from the East China Sea to the Pacific Ocean without violating Japanese airspace the same day after flying over waters between the chain of islands.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force scrambled fighter aircraft, added Japan's Defense Ministry.

The planes, belonging to the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, carried out their training in accordance with relevant international laws and practices, said the Chinese ministry, adding that China enjoys freedom of overflight in relevant waters and the Chinese military will organize similar routine activities in the future.

Japan said the two H-6 bombers headed back in the direction of the Chinese mainland after flying in skies between Okinawa's main and Miyako islands.

Previously on July 24, the Japanese ministry said a Chinese Y-8 airborne early warning plane overflew waters between the two islands, making it the first-ever Chinese military plane to do so.

Sunday's announcement by the Japanese ministry was the first time Japan's Defense Ministry had made an announcement confirming the passing of Chinese bombardment aircraft through Okinawa islands, a chain of islands off the southwest coast of the country.

Japan's Kyodo News Agency reported that Japan has scrambled fighter jets to head off a number of Chinese military planes since September last year, when Japan "nationalized" the Diaoyu Islands at the center of a territorial dispute in the East China Sea.

Japan has been on alert against Chinese action prior to the first anniversary of its "nationalization" of the islands, said Kyodo.

Global Times - Agencies