Japan's navy marked its 60th anniversary yesterday with a major exercise intended to show off its maritime strength.

Japan warships at the exercise (Photo: Internet)

The display comes amid a tense territorial dispute with China in the East China Sea. About 40 ships and 30 aircrafts took part in “Fleet Review 2012”, the maritime equivalent of a military parade. Japan's navy was joined by warships from the United States, Singapore and Australia. Representatives from more than 20 countries, including China, also attended the event staged in waters south of Tokyo. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said Japan faces severe challenges to its security, though he did not specifically mention the dispute with China over islands in the East China Sea. Noda called on the sailors being prepared to face "new responsibilities" as the security situation around the country changes.