China has expanded its naval presence in the North Pacific after one of its spy ships was spotted transiting a waterway between Japan's main islands, according to a report. Regarding
China's maritime activities around
Japan, the country's Ministry of Defense
said on Monday that it will continue to conduct surveillance and gather intelligence.
China has built the
world's largest navy by hull count, with more than 370 ships and submarines, allowing the East Asian power to expand its military presence and reach by deploying warships, including
two aircraft carriers, to challenge U.S.-led alliances in the Pacific.