Recent drills conducted by the Chinese Air Force on the high seas are regular, routine military activities, an air force spokesperson said Thursday.

The overflight is about the mission and responsibility of the Chinese Air Force, and is legitimate, reasonable and justified, spokesperson Shen Jinke said, responding to media reports that warplanes of the Chinese Air Force flew over the South China Sea, Bashi Channel and Miyako Strait.

The Chinese Air Force has dealt with various disturbance and tested its blue water war capabilities since it started carying out routine drills on the high seas two years ago, the spokesperson said.

Shen said the Chinese Air Force is a strategic military force, and its strategic power should match with its national interests.

The Air Force will continue to conduct regular high sea drills and further improve its capabilities in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, Shen added.