AlHijjah 28, 1432, Nov 24, 2011, SPA -- The Chinese navy will hold exercises in the Pacific Ocean this month, UPI cited the defense ministry as saying. The ministry's brief announcement, carried by the official Xinhua news agency, described the event in the western Pacific by the People's Liberation Army naval fleet as "routine training" in accordance with relevant international laws and practice and "not directed toward any particular country or goal." "China's lawful rights, including free navigation in relevant waters, should not be hindered," the ministry added. During a visit last week to Australia and Asian nations, U.S. President Barack Obama stressed America's commitments as a Pacific power. "The United States is a Pacific power, and we are here to stay," Obama had said. The United States plans greater military and trade involvement in the Asia-Pacific. The BBC quoted a U.S. Pentagon spokesman as saying China is "entitled to exercise their military in ways they deem fit."
