Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian presided over the regular press conference on December 5. A Reuters reporter asked: Can China confirm whether the Chinese military is deploying a large number of vessels in the East China Sea, South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean? Japan's defense minister claimed that "China has been expanding and stepping up its military activities in the areas surrounding Japan." What is China's comment on this?

Lin Jian responded by stating that inquiries about specific situations should be directed to the relevant Chinese authorities. 

He continued, I would like to emphasize that China consistently adheres to a defensive national defense policy, and the Chinese navy and coast guard conducted activities in the relevant waters strictly in accordance with China's domestic laws and international law. Relevant parties need not overreact, overinterpret, or engage in baseless speculations.

Global Times-The Paper