BEIJING, Apr. 27 -- We firmly oppose Japan distorting facts and spreading the so-called “China threat” cliché, said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.
The spokesperson made the remarks when asked to comment on Japan's latest Diplomatic Bluebook which says China's international influence is increasing, and China's external posture and military development highly concern Japan and the international community, posing the biggest strategic challenge ever to Japan.
Defense Spokesperson Tan stressed that the development and growth of China has always strengthened the world's force for peace, because China firmly follows a path of peaceful development, resolutely upholds international fairness and justice, and is committed to making positive contributions to world peace and stability.
He also pointed out that in recent years, under the pretext of so-called "China threat", Japan has repeatedly broken through constraints of the Pacifist Constitution, and breached its commitment to the exclusively defense-oriented policy. It has greatly increased the defense expenditure, frequently purchased high-end offensive weapons, and sought "strike capabilities against the enemy ".
Japan's tendency to re-pursue the path of militarization has gotten increasingly evident, triggering high vigilance from the international community and regional countries. China strongly urges Japan to deeply reflect on the history of its aggression, earnestly respect the security concerns of its Asian neighbors, act prudently on military and security issues, and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability, noted the spokesperson.