BEIJING - A Chinese spokesman said on Friday that China has full capacity to effectively monitor its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) after the People's Republic of Korea and Japan held a joint search and rescue exercise in the East China Sea on Thursday.

The exercise was carried out in an area where the China and Japan air defence identification zones overlap, involving two warships and a helicopter from Japan and several pieces of military equipment from the ROK. The Japanese military did not inform China about use of a helicopter.

"China is monitoring the ADIZ effectively right now," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily news briefing, reiterating China's firm determination to secure its territory and territorial airspace.

Committed to maintain the peace, order and stability of the region and relevant airspace, China hopes all parties can make similar efforts, rather than the opposite, the spokesman said.

Asked to comment on the 76th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese invaders in December 13, 1937, during World War II, Hong said it was an "atrocity" committed by Japanese militarism in invading China.

He urged Japan to face to and deeply reflect on its aggressive past and improve ties with China and other Asian neighbors.

Nanjing witnessed mass murder, genocide and war rape following the Japanese capture of the city in December 13, 1937, during World War II.  It claimed the lives of 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers.