BEIJING - Chinese navy drills in the west Pacific were not designed for any specific target, Defense Ministry Spokesman Geng Yansheng said in Beijing on Thursday.

When asked to comment on media allegations that frequent visits to the west Pacific by vessels of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) navy were meant to prepare for attack on Taiwan, Geng said the drills were "routine arrangements."

"As we repeatedly stated, the drills were not directed at any specific target," Geng said.

According to the Defense Ministry, the Chinese navy has carried out regular drills in the west Pacific over the years.

In June, 2011, a PLA navy fleet conducted a training drill in west Pacific international waters.

In June, 2010, the PLA Navy begun an annual routine live-ammunition training within China's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in west Pacific.