We Hope Naval Drill In Indian Ocean Not Aimed At Others : China

Beijing, July 7 (IANS): China on Friday expressed hope that the upcoming joint naval drill between three countries India, Japan, and the US is not aimed at other countries.

The annual Malabar naval exercise between India, Japan, and the US will begin on July 10 in the Indian Ocean.

"We have no objection to the normal bilateral relations and cooperation among relevant countries, but we hope that this kind of relationship and cooperation will not be directed at any third party and will be conducive to the regional peace and stability," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang.

China closely monitors the developments in the Indian Ocean and has been wary of the naval Malabar exercise, especially after Japan joined the bilateral arrangement between India and the US for regular naval exercises.

Chinese military presence is growing in the world's oceans with several of its warships and submarines being sighted by Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean.