BEIJING, Feb. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- The Chinese Navy is conducting this year’s first open-sea training exercise in the West Pacific Ocean. Three ships passed through the Miyako Strait early Thursday morning and sailed into the Western Pacific.

The ships from the North China Sea Fleet are carrying three helicopters. They will conduct various open-sea exercises during the Spring Festival holiday, which begins on February 9.

Fleet officials say training in international waters is normal practice around the world and the exercises are part of regular efforts to improve combat ability.

Wang Xianfeng, team leader of command squad of PLA fleet, said, "Naval vessels crossing the Miyako Strait to enter the western Pacific is in line with international law. The Convention on the Law of the Sea states that the Miyako Strait is an international navigation and flight path for use by naval vessels and aircraft."

(Source: CNTV.cn)