BEIJING, May 29 -- "We urge the Japanese side to act prudently in the domain of military and security, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the rest of the international community with concrete actions," said Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang at a regular press conference on Thursday.
He made the remarks when being asked to comment on the draft of the Japanese defense ministry's Defense of Japan 2025. The draft claims that China is ramping up its nuclear, missile, maritime and aviation capabilities, that the PLA's activities near Taiwan demonstrate that the PLA is trying to improve combat capabilities, and that the strengthened China-Russia military cooperation is a serious concern for Japan's security.
"In the draft of Defense of Japan 2025, the Japanese side repeats its irresponsible comments about China's military development, and points fingers at China's legitimate military activities and military cooperation. We are strongly opposed to this," said the spokesperson. He pointed out that this year marks the 80th year of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. At this special historical juncture, it's even more important for Japan to reflect on its behaviors, instead of making unfounded smears and accusations against others.
"We urge the Japanese side to follow the path of peaceful development, act prudently in the domain of military and security, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the rest of the international community with concrete actions," stressed the spokesperson.