BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- China's navy fleet will conduct a drill in the western Pacific Ocean, the Ministry of National Defense announced on Wednesday.

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.