China's navy fleet will conduct a drill in the western Pacific Ocean, the Ministry of National Defense announced on Wednesday.

The Chinese navy escort fleet conducts an exercise in Qingdao, Shandong Province. [File photo]

The annual drill is not aimed at any specific country or target and is in accordance with related international laws and practices, the ministry said in a statement.

China hopes all relevant sides will respect China's maritime rights, such as freedom of navigation, the statement said.

A precise date for the drill was not provided.