Japanese white paper 'full of bias', Chinese Defense Ministry says

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense has made stern representations to Japan after the latter released a new defense white paper that made groundless accusations against China.

"The content related to China in the paper ignored facts and was full of bias," ministry spokesman Wu Qian said on Tuesday, adding that Japan hyped up the so-called "China threat" theory by pointing fingers at the nation's army development and normal military activities.

"The Chinese side has expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the paper, which has wantonly interfered in China's internal affairs and has intensified regional tensions," he said in a statement.

Wu made the remarks after the paper was released on Friday and approved by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's Cabinet. It contained abundant content related to Taiwan and accused China of attempting to change the status quo unilaterally in the East and South China Seas.

"The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and tolerates no outside interference," Wu said, pointing out that compatriots across the Taiwan Straits would never forget that Japan "forcibly seized Taiwan by means of a war of aggression".

"Its crimes of colonial rule are too numerous to record, and it bears an inescapable historical responsibility to the Chinese people," he added.

The spokesman criticized Japan for violating its solemn commitment to China regarding the Taiwan question by releasing the white paper, warning that this "completely wrong and very dangerous" move undermined the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations.

Wu also restated China's position on the Diaoyu Islands and the South China Sea.

"It's lawful for China to conduct patrol and law enforcement in waters off the Diaoyu Islands," he said, stressing that the island and its affiliated islands are the country's inherent territory and Japan has no right to make irresponsible remarks.

The official said China has always respected and safeguarded freedom of navigation by all countries in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, but also noted that "China has indisputable sovereignty over islands in the sea and their adjacent waters".

Wu said Japan has an "irresponsible and ulterior motive" to stir up discord in the South China Sea, emphasizing that the regional issue is not Japan's concern.

"The Chinese military is determined, capable and confident in its ability to safeguard the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, maritime rights and interests, and regional peace and stability," he said.

The spokesman noted that China is firmly committed to the path of peaceful development.

"However, Japan, instead of reflecting on and drawing lessons from history, is blindly making accusations against China, plotting to amend its pacifist constitution and substantially increase defense expenditures," he said, adding that Japan is developing offensive forces and attempting to break through the post-war international order.

"This has aroused serious concern and high vigilance from the international community, including China," Wu warned, urging Japan to reflect on its history of aggression and to "stop confusing the world by pretending to be a victim".