BEIJING - China's Defence Ministry said Thursday that the ongoing sea test of the country's aircraft carrier is not related to the current regional situation.

Previous sea tests of the aircraft carrier have achieved expected results, and more research tests will be carried out according to preset plans, spokesman Geng Yansheng told a monthly press briefing.

Media reported earlier that China's aircraft carrier is to begin service this year, but Geng made no comment about this.

China has stressed on many occasions that it maintains a defensive nature in national defense policy.