China News Service, Beijing, December 27th (Reporter Guo Chaokai) Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin presided over a regular press conference on the 27th.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.

Photo by Xue Wei

  A reporter asked: According to reports, the Japanese government decided at an interim cabinet meeting on the 23rd to increase the defense budget to 6.8 trillion yen in fiscal year 2023, setting a new record.

What is China's comment?

  Wang Wenbin: We have noticed relevant reports and are concerned about the significant increase in Japan's defense budget.

The Japanese side plays up regional tensions in order to seek a breakthrough in its own military power. This move is very dangerous, and it has to make its Asian neighbors and the international community strongly question whether Japan is sincerely committed to defense and the path of peaceful development.

The Japanese side should seriously reflect on its history of aggression, and be cautious in its words and deeds in the field of military security, so as not to further discredit its Asian neighbors and the international community.

(use up)