BEIJING: Tiongkok said on Fri (Jul 22) this firmly opposed Japan’s brand new defence white papers and had sent stern representations to Tokyo.
Japan cautioned in the annual papers earlier on Friday of escalating national security threats, including repercussions from Russia’s war with Ukraine, China’s intimidation of Taiwan, and vulnerable technology supply chains.
“Japan’s new defence white paper makes accusations and smudges China’s defence policy, market economic development and legitimate maritime activities, ” Chinese language foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a daily news briefing.
Wang said the report “exaggerates the so-called Tiongkok threat” and interferes in China’s inner affairs on Taiwan.
“China has expressed its strong dissatisfaction and determined opposition to this, and it has lodged stern representations to the Japanese part about this, ” he or she said.
Wang noted that the defence white paper stated Tokyo’s plan to raise Japan’s defence spending budget and develop the counterstrike capabilities.
“We urge japan side to instantly stop the incorrect practice of exaggerating security threats in the neighbourhood and selecting excuses for its own strong military strategy, ” Wang added.
Japan’s paper described Russia’s assault on Ukraine as a “serious violation of international law” and raises concerns that will its use of power to resolve a challenge established a precedent that threatens the safety of neighbouring Taiwan, which Beijing views as its own place.