The Chinese navy have been conducting a military drill simulating joint air and maritime attacks on an unihabited island in the East China Sea.

The practice run comes amid an ongoing territory dispute between China and Japan over islands in the region.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since Japan bought the islands from their private owner. The deal sparked protests in China following fears that bilateral trade ties and tourism would be affected.

The islands which are known as the Diaoyu islands in China and the Senkakus in Japan are located in waters thought to be rich in natural gas deposits.

They have been administered by Japan since 1895, but China has declared them "sacred territory" and Taiwan has also asserted its own sovereignty over the area.

Both countries have sent patrol boats into the region, in a game of cat-and-mouse which has seen strong words being traded by officials in Tokyo and Beijing.

Concerns have been raised that increased military activity could lead to an unintended collision in the area which could escalate into a broader clash.

A Chinese naval official told the state broadcaster, "the drill effectively tested the efficiency of different garrisons and various weapon platforms...It is part of our annual training program of the East China Sea fleet."