China's Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun, at a press interaction on Thursday, said the movements of Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean was 'legitimate' and 'legal.'

Yang also explained that movement of Chinese submarines across the Indian Ocean was accordance with international practice. "Talking about the submarines, the Chinese submarines cross some sea areas and those crossings are legitimate and legal and follow the international practices," he said.

Like Us on Facebook

Yang also made it clear that China never objected to the presence of Indian Navy ships in the disputed South China Sea. "If it is done in accordance with the international law and as freedom of navigation, that should be lawful. Such movement should be helpful for country-to-country relations and for peace and stability in the region. All those kind of moves should be welcomed," he added.

A senior United States official said last month that China is attempting to broaden its presence in the Indian Ocean, and U.S. would work to make sure India remains the "natural power" in the Ocean.

"As China works to secure the South China Sea as an area of strategic importance for it, it does so not with the intention of going into the blue Pacific, but with going into the Indian Ocean and broadening its presence in the Indian Ocean," the U.S. State Department's Thomas Shannon said. "So it is certainly our intention to work with India to have a strong and comprehensive presence there."

Shannon described China's behavior in South China issue as "madness."

Tagschina, India, Indian Ocean, Chinese Submarines, US