China says carrier's passage through Taiwan Strait not directed at any target

Chinese flag waves in front of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct 29, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

BEIJING (REUTERS) - A Chinese Navy spokesman said its aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday (Nov 17), adding it was involved in "scientific research" and the passage was not directed at any target, according to a report in China's official Xinhua media.

Taiwan's defence ministry had said a Chinese carrier ship passed through the sensitive territory with US and Japan ships tailing it.

Taiwan, a self-ruled island, is regarded by China as a rebel province. Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu said it would not be intimidated.

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