Japan does not recognize China as a threat, said a Japanese government position paper disclosed on Tuesday.

The document, approved by the Cabinet, says the Japanese government "does not think China has the intention to invade Japan, " as an reply to a written question from House of Representatives member Kantoku Teruya of the Social Democratic Party.

The paper cited a joint communique between the two countries in 1972, which says Japan and China have agreed to establish ties of ever-lasting peace and friendship, as well as the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China, which says "all disputes shall be settled by peaceful means without resorting to the use or threat of force".

The document also says that Japan will stick to the principle of pacifism and contribute to peace and prosperity of the world.

Source: Xinhua