China lashes out at Japan’s new defense plan

BEIJING (AP) — China’s military lashed out yesterday at Japan’s plans to boost defense spending, accusing Tokyo of raising regional tensions under the pretext of safeguarding national security.

China “resolutely opposes’’ the five-year defense plan adopted by Japan on Tuesday, Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said in a statement posted on the ministry’s website. 

Japan “continues to deny its history of World War II aggression, challenge the post-war order, and harm the feelings of the people of those victimized nations,’’ Geng said. 

The strongly worded statement marks the latest salvo in the ongoing string of accusations over who is responsible for a sharp rise in tensions in the East China Sea.

China’s military has taken an increasingly hawkish stance amid a bitter dispute with Tokyo over uninhabited islands in the sea controlled by Japan but claimed by China. Japan’s nationalization of the islands in September 2012 sparked violent demonstrations in several Chinese cities. In the months since, Chinese patrol vessels have routinely confronted Japanese ships in the area, sparking fears of an incident.

Under the arrangement adopted Tuesday, Japan will raise defense spending by five percent over the next five years to purchase its first surveillance drones, more jet fighters and naval destroyers, and set up an amphibious unit similar to the US Marines.

Broader defense program guidelines also adopted Tuesday say Japan is ``gravely concerned’’ about China’s growing maritime and military presence in the East China Sea, and its lack of transparency and ``high-handed’’ approach. Late last month, China said all aircraft entering a vast zone over the East China sea must identify themselves and follow China’s instructions.