Chinese navy conducts drill in Sea of Japan

By Mahmut Atanur

BEIJING

China's navy says it has carried out a "confrontation drill" in the Sea of Japan, with two fleets embarking on the exercise.

State news agency Xinhua on Friday quoted a military source as saying that foreign aircraft had attempted surveillance of the drill.

"They were met with the proper response from the Chinese warships," it quoted the source as saying.

It added that the fleet included the missile destroyer Xi'an, missile frigate Hengshui and supply ship Gaoyouhu, while the rival fleet consisted of several warships from the Navy's Donghai Fleet.

It underlined that Thursday's drill was in line with international law and practice.

The Sea of Japan is a strategic waterway bordered by South and North Korea, Japan and Russia.

Even the name of the body of water surrounding the rocky territory is sensitive, with South Korea insisting on using the title East Sea.