China's Ministry of National Defense criticized Japan's recently released defense white paper on Thursday evening, accusing it of using China as a pretext to deceive the Japanese public and mislead the international community, thereby justifying Japan's military expansion.

The Chinese side expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the white paper, and has lodged solemn representations with Japan, according to a statement by ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang.

The annual white paper Defense of Japan 2024, approved by the Japanese Cabinet on July 12, labeled China as Japan's "greatest strategic challenge".

It claimed that China's military activities are extending from the "first island chain" to the "second" and that tensions in the Taiwan Strait could escalate, noting China-Russia joint patrols as a major concern.

Zhang refuted the white paper's remarks on China, saying that China's legitimate sea and air activities are conducted in accordance with international and domestic laws.

He reiterated that the Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated islands have always been Chinese territory, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, with no room for external interference.

"The biggest threat to peace in the Taiwan Strait comes from 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities and the external forces supporting them," said Zhang.

"Japan's colonial rule over Taiwan for 50 years has left it with a deep-seated need for self-reflection and caution in its actions."

He emphasized that China-Russia defense cooperation is based on non-alliance, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of third parties, contributing to regional and international peace and justice.

The spokesman also clarified China's defense policy, stressing that China has always been, and will continue to be, a force for world peace, stability, and progress.

He noted that China does not seek confrontation but will not shy away from challenges, and its military development is aimed solely at safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as maintaining world and regional peace and stability.

Zhang criticized Japan's militaristic history, significant defense budget growth, rapid development of offensive weapons, relaxation of arms export restrictions, and engagement in bloc confrontation.

He poised two rhetorical questions: "How such actions could not raise concerns about Japan's potential return to its path of aggression and expansion? How many innocent people in the Asia-Pacific region were killed by the saber of Japanese militarism during World War II?"

The defense official warned that Japan's intentions to strengthen and expand its military are evident, urging the international community to remain vigilant.

"We urge the Japanese side to deeply learn from history, stop smearing and blaming China, cease interfering in China's internal affairs, and act cautiously in the military and security fields to gain the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community," Zhang said.