進入英語學習論壇下載音頻 去聽寫專區一展身手

A naval fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will conduct a training drill within international waters in the western Pacific Ocean from the middle to the end of this month, the Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday.

The ministry, in a news release issued by its Information Affairs Office, said that the training complies with relevant international laws and is not aimed at any particular country or specific target.

The ministry's reaction came after an earlier announcement made by Japan's Ministry of Defense on Wednesday, which said that eight Chinese navy ships, including guided missile destroyers, were on the high seas near Okinawa prefecture.

Japan's major media reported the news and said that the Chinese naval fleet was heading to the Pacific Ocean.

According to Kyodo News, Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF) is on alert and is continuing to monitor the fleet's movements.

China's Defense Ministry stressed that the upcoming drill is a "regular exercise" held "in accordance with the annual plan (of the PLA)".

"The Ministry of National Defense is quick to react and transparent in its military activities," said Yang Bojiang, a professor of Japanese studies at the University of International Relations in Beijing.

He said that the Japanese should not be concerned about the Chinese naval training exercises because all activities of China's navy are strictly confined to international waters.

Questions:

1. What ocean will the drills be conducted in?

2. How many Chinese navy ships are involved?

3. What does MSDF stand for?

Answers:

1. Pacific Ocean.

2. Eight.

3. Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force.

（中國日報網英語點津 Helen 編輯）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.