China foreign ministry: Military drills in 'waters off its own territory' open, transparent

Handout of Chinese PLA Eastern Theatre Command drill
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(This Aug 8 story corrects quote in lead, headline to 'waters off its own territory' not 'in our own waters')

BEIJING (Reuters) - The Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday that Taiwan is part of China, and China is conducting normal military exercises "in waters off its own territory" in an open, transparent and professional way.

The relevant departments have also issued announcements in a timely manner, and this is in line with both domestic and international law, said Wang Wenbin, a spokesman at the ministry, at a regular media briefing.

Wang was asked whether or not China's continuation of its military drills abides by international law, and if a new warning for civilian ships and aircraft will be issued.

China's military announced fresh drills on Monday around Taiwan, a self-governed island which Beijing claims as its own, following days of exercises to protest against last week's visit to Taipei by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

(Reporting by Martin Quin Pollard; writing by Ryan Woo; Editing by Toby Chopra)