China criticises Japan’s defence white paper for making “accusations”
BEIJING (Reuters) – China stated on Friday it firmly opposed Japan’s new defence white paper and had despatched stern representations to Tokyo.
Japan warned within the annual paper earlier on Friday of escalating nationwide safety threats, together with repercussions from Russia’s struggle with Ukraine, China’s intimidation of Taiwan, and weak expertise provide chains.
“Japan’s new defence white paper makes accusations and smears China’s defence coverage, market financial growth and legit maritime actions,” Chinese language international ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin informed a each day information briefing.
Wang stated the report “exaggerates the so-called China menace” and interferes in China’s inner affairs on Taiwan.
“China has expressed its robust dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this, and has lodged stern representations to the Japanese aspect about this,” he stated.
Wang famous that the defence white paper talked about Tokyo’s plan to extend Japan’s defence funds and develop its counterstrike capabilities.
“We urge the Japanese aspect to instantly cease the inaccurate observe of exaggerating safety threats in its neighbourhood and discovering excuses for its personal robust army arsenal,” Wang added.
Japan’s paper described Russia’s assault on Ukraine as a “severe violation of worldwide legislation” and raises issues that its use of pressure to resolve a dispute established a precedent that threatens the safety of neighbouring Taiwan, which Beijing views as its personal territory.
(Reporting by Martin Quin Pollard; Writing by Liz Lee; modifying by John Stonestreet and Kim Coghill)
