National Defense Ministry Spokesman Tan Kefei noted that the Chinese military has always been a steadfast force in upholding world peace and stability.

He stressed that Beijing has never challenged anyone or threatened others, so Tokyo “clings to its misperception of China.”

The spokesman made these statements regarding the recent publication of Japan’s Defense White Paper, which states that China represents an unprecedented strategic challenge.

According to Tan, Japan deliberately exaggerates the so-called Chinese military threat, smears legitimate military development and activities, grossly interferes in internal affairs and creates regional tensions.

“We strongly oppose this and have already made serious representations to Japan,” Tan told a news conference.

According to the spokesman, Tokyo substantially increased its defense expenditures and sped up its military expansion, aligning itself with “certain major powers, and forming specific small circles.”

The spokesman urged Japan to learn from historical lessons, refrain from irresponsible words and actions, abandon confrontational thinking towards neighboring countries, and take practical measures to restore bilateral relations.

The white paper also refers to tensions across the Taiwan Strait, saying that the military balance between mainland China and Taiwan is rapidly tipping towards Taiwan.

On this issue, the Foreign Ministry had protested against the interference in China’s internal affairs. “The Taiwan issue is purely China’s internal affair and does not admit external interference. The so-called military balance across the Taiwan Strait is an unfounded issue to begin with,” Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning stressed.

She reminded the Japanese Government that Japan bears serious responsibilities for the historical crimes committed against the Chinese people, and urged Tokyo to act more prudently and draw lessons from history.

jg/mem/idm