China concerned about Japanese defense report: FM spokeswoman

BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Wednesday that China is concerned and strongly discontented with a recent Japanese defense report.

"The new edition of Japan's defense white paper deliberately ignores basic facts and maliciously plays up the 'China threat,'" Hua said at a regular press briefing.

The report, which was released on Tuesday, said Japan's security environment is becoming increasingly grim.

The report also said that China's defense policies and military development lack transparency, adding that China's maritime activity has been dangerous and caused concern on the part of the international community.

Hua said China is on a path of peaceful development, adding that its policies are purely defensive in nature.

"Japan does not have the right to say this or that regarding China's internal affairs," Hua said.

Secondly, China cannot be criticized for carrying out normal maritime activity according to international law and relevant domestic laws, Hua said.

"We have always worked to resolve territorial and maritime disputes through dialogue and consultation. However, we will never allow any other country to infringe on China's territorial sovereignty," Hua said.

Hua said Japan has deliberately increased tension surrounding the Diaoyu Islands, as well as undermined China's territorial sovereignty and stability.

"Japan should earnestly reflect on its own actions instead of seeking excuses," she said.

Hua said Japan is going against the global trend of maintaining peace and stability by deliberately stoking tensions and inciting confrontation.

"The goal of the Japanese side is to create an excuse for its military buildup and break away from post-World War II international order," Hua said.

"This calls for high vigilance by the international community," she said.

Hua said Japan should embark on a path of peaceful development and take action to improve political trust and maintain regional peace and stability.

China places importance on its relations with Japan and is ready to develop relations with the country, Hua said, adding that Japan should change its attitude and make tangible efforts to eliminate obstacles that are undermining the development of bilateral relations.

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