Japan spots Chinese aircraft carrier in East China Sea

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has spotted eight Chinese warships, including an aircraft carrier, traveling east in the East China Sea, Japan's Jiji Press reported the Defense Ministry as saying on Sunday.

None of the ships seem to have entered Japanese waters, officials said, adding that the eight are expected to sail between the main island of Okinawa Prefecture and the island of Miyako, also Okinawa, to enter the Western Pacific.

The MSDF destroyer Tone spotted a fleet of Chinese warships around 4 pm Saturday (7 am GMT), according to the ministry's Joint Staff.

The fleet comprised a Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier, three missile destroyers, three frigates and a replenishment vessel, the Joint Staff also said.

On Saturday, China's National Defense Ministry said the aircraft carrier Liaoning and other ships will carry out drills in the Western Pacific.

According to the Japanese ministry, the MSDF has visually confirmed a Chinese aircraft carrier for the first time. "We'll make utmost efforts and continue our warning and surveillance activities," an official said. -- Bernama