Chinese DM expresses concern over Japan's security bills

BEIJING - Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan Friday expressed concern over the security bills passed by Japan's lower house of parliament that will expand the role of Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF).

Chang, who is also the State Councilor, made the remarks when meeting with Shotaro Yachi, head of Japan's National Security Council.

Chang said the passing of the bills Thursday is an "unprecedented move" for Japan's military since the end of World War II, and this move will have a complicated influence on regional security and strategic stability.

Chang urged the Japanese to learn from history, respect major security concerns of its neighbors and not to do harm to regional peace and stability.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the world war against fascists.

Chang said the Japanese side should send clear messages on the issue of history and deal with China-Japan relations through the four-point principled consensus on the basis of the four political documents.

Prior to the Xi-Abe meeting last year, the two sides reached a four-point principled agreement to improve bilateral ties, in which the two sides agreed to resume political, diplomatic and security dialogues while acknowledging different positions on the Diaoyu Islands.

Chang said China attaches importance to ties with the Japanese defense department, and bilateral defense ties are closely linked with bilateral political relations.

Yachi said Japan-China ties had improved following the meeting between both leaders during the APEC summit in Beijing last year.

Calling this year very important to bilateral ties, Yachi said both countries should take measures to properly handle the differences and Japan is willing to keep communication with China.