China’s Defence Ministry has strongly denounced a Japanese five-year government approved strategy, that will see an increase in defence spending.
Japan’s new defence plan will see it purchase its first surveillance drones, as well as increase the number of aircraft and naval destroyers, alongside establishing an amphibious marines unit.
In a statement by the Chinese Defence Ministry, spokesperson Geng Yansheng said the move "causes great concerns from Japan's Asian neighbors and international society".
The statement went on to add,
"As a nation that can not reflect on its history, what qualification does Japan have to speak about freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law? How can the country make contributions to the world peace?”
"Japan has on the one hand claimed to strengthen international co-ordination, safeguard peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and make efforts to ensure security and prosperity of the international community, but on the other hand it sticks to the cold war mentality and beefed up military alliances with relevant countries."
"We urged Japan to make deep introspection on its history, honor its commitment topeaceful development, and try to improve its relations with Asian neighbors with concreteactions, so as to play a constructive role in safeguarding regional peace and stability”.