Japan says two Chinese carriers spotted in Pacific for the first time

Two Chinese aircraft carriers were spotted conducting simultaneous operations in the Pacific for the first time, in a move that Japan's defence minister said signified Beijing's intention to further widen its capabilities beyond its borders.

The operations were a "routine training" exercise that did not target specific countries or regions, Wang Xuemeng, a spokesperson for the Chinese Navy, said in a statement, however.

Since May, China has been flexing its muscles by sending an unusually large number of naval and coast guard vessels through a swathe of East Asian waters, according to security documents and officials, in moves that have unnerved regional capitals.

Japan's defence ministry has confirmed the two carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, were operating in separate areas in the Pacific on Saturday, both near remote southern islands belonging to Japan.

"Japan's prompt disclosure of information concerning the carriers underscores its commitment to deter any forceful, unilateral shifts in the regional status quo," Defence Minister Gen Nakatani told a press conference.

He added that Tokyo has engaged with Beijing to ensure its operations did not pose a threat to Japan's national security, but stopped short of criticising the neighbour.

Japan is pursuing the build-up of its Pacific air defences and will closely monitor the movements of Chinese naval vessels, Nakatani said.

Earlier, Japan said the Liaoning sailed within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Minamitorishima, a remote island east of Iwo Jima.

Beijing's activities were consistent with international law and practice, its foreign ministry said.

"China has always pursued a defensive national defence policy and hopes that the Japanese side will look at the matter objectively and rationally," ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular news briefing.

(Reporting by Kantaro Komiya in Tokyo, Xiuhao Chen in Beijing Editing by Chang-Ran Kim and Clarence Fernandez)