Japanese defence paper threatens Sino-Japanese relations, Beijing says
Japan’s Defence Ministry releases its annual paper on its region’s military situation, warning against China’s growing military power, which aims at expanding its sphere of influence. Beijing protests and issues threats.
Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The annual paper from Japan's Defence Ministry jeopardises Sino-Japanese relations, this according to China. In a statement, the Chinese government expressed “its strong dissatisfaction” with the document. According to Xinhua, the paper deliberately exaggerates Chinese naval capabilities, which are defensive in nature and not aimed at any other nation.
China’s trade and economic development have given Beijing the means to modernise the People’s Liberation Army. This is raising concerns among Asian nations as well as the United States.
"Given the modernisation of China's naval and air forces in recent years, its sphere of influence is likely to grow," the Japanese defence paper said. This will “expand its sphere of maritime activities” to include the “waters surrounding Japan."
Likewise, the paper is critical of China’s military ties with North Korea.
"The Japanese 2011 defence white paper made irresponsible comments on China's national defence,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
China is committed to solving disputes through bilateral negotiations and to continue peaceful development, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said. "I hope Japan can learn from the past [. . .] to deepen mutual trust with neighbouring countries," he added.
China is involved in a number of territorial disputes in the South China Sea, including the Senkaku (Diaoyu in Chinese), the Spratly and Paracel Islands.
China’s trade and economic development have given Beijing the means to modernise the People’s Liberation Army. This is raising concerns among Asian nations as well as the United States.
"Given the modernisation of China's naval and air forces in recent years, its sphere of influence is likely to grow," the Japanese defence paper said. This will “expand its sphere of maritime activities” to include the “waters surrounding Japan."
Likewise, the paper is critical of China’s military ties with North Korea.
"The Japanese 2011 defence white paper made irresponsible comments on China's national defence,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
China is committed to solving disputes through bilateral negotiations and to continue peaceful development, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said. "I hope Japan can learn from the past [. . .] to deepen mutual trust with neighbouring countries," he added.
China is involved in a number of territorial disputes in the South China Sea, including the Senkaku (Diaoyu in Chinese), the Spratly and Paracel Islands.
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