Japan’s surveillance of China maritime drills "a highly hazardous act of provocation". -China maintains the right to take further steps if similar incidents happen again.

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun says Japan’s surveillance of China’s maritime drills is "a highly hazardous act of provocation."

A Japanese navy vessel forced its way into the drill zone in the open seas of the western Pacific Ocean last Friday morning. It stayed there for almost three days, disturbing the drill and jeopardizing the safe navigation of Chinese vessels. It also sustained intense monitoring and surveillance during the drill.


Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, spokesman Yang Yujun said the Chinese Defense Ministry has lodged a stern representation to Japan, and such actions are a severe breach of International maritime rules. He also mentioned that during the drill, China provided aid to a Japanese fishing boat when it asked for help.

• In contrast, the Japanese navy ship broke into the drill zone ignoring China’s protest. Yang called on Japan to make up for the mistakes through action and stop any intervention in Chinese military drills. 
• He said China maintains the right to take further steps if similar incidents happen again.

english.cntv.cn
31/10/13
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