Two Chinese aircraft carriers were operating in the Pacific for the first time, according to Japan, whose defence minister said Tuesday the move revealed the expansion of Beijing's military activities.

Beijing said Tuesday the Shandong and Liaoning carriers -- its only two currently in operation, with a third undergoing sea trials -- were carrying out "routine training".

"We believe the Chinese military's purpose is to improve its operational capability and ability to conduct operations in distant areas," a Japanese defence ministry spokesman told AFP.

Defence Minister Gen Nakatani told reporters the sightings show that the Chinese military's "activity area is expanding".

"Japan has expressed its position that the Chinese activities should not threaten Japan's safety" through diplomati

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