Japan says two Chinese carriers spotted in Pacific for the first time

Earlier, Japan said the Liaoningsailed within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Minamitorishima, a remote island east of Iwo Jima.

Beijing's activities were consistent with international law and practice, its foreign ministry said.

"China has always pursued a defensive national defence policy and hopes that the Japanese side will look at the matter objectively and rationally," ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular news briefing.

(Reporting by Kantaro Komiya in Tokyo, Xiuhao Chen in Beijing Editing by Chang-Ran Kim and Clarence Fernandez)