China rejects accusations in Japan defense report

In this Sunday, July 31, 2016 photo released by China’s Xinhua News Agency, Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan addresses a reception held by the Ministry of National Defense to celebrate the 89th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Beijing. China has reiterated its commitment to defending its sovereignty amid new tensions over its territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea. Chang told the reception on Sunday that China would firmly safeguard its “state sovereignty, national security and development interests.” “Territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests will be defended,” Chang was cited as saying by the official Xinhua News Agency. AP

BEIJING — China’s Defense Ministry has rejected accusations from Japan that the Chinese military is destabilizing the regional military balance by seeking to change the status-quo in the East and South China Seas.

A ministry statement issued late Tuesday said assertions in Japan’s annual defense report sought to deceive the international community and sow discord between China and its neighbors.

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The statement reiterated China’s claim to disputed East China Sea islands controlled by Japan and said it was Japan that altered the status-quo by purchasing the chain from its private owners in 2012.

A Chinese navy warship recently entered a strip of water just outside Japanese-claimed waters in the area.

READ: Japan warns China of unintended conflict

The Chinese statement also criticized Japan for passing legislation loosening post-World War II constraints on its military.