Q: It is reported that on August 5, Japan issued the defense white paper for 2014 criticizing China for expanding its maritime and air activities, unilaterally changing the status quo by declaring the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) which may escalate the situation and incur dangers, as well as infringing upon the freedom of overflight above the high seas. The paper also says that China's military planes had "unusually close encounters" with Japanese Self Defense Forces aircraft, and China's government vessels repeatedly "intruded into" territorial seas around the Diaoyu Islands. It urges China to abide by international regulations. How does China comment on this?
A: The latest defense white paper of Japan once again ignores the facts, makes irresponsible remarks on China's normal military development and maritime activities, maliciously hypes up the so-called "China threat" and deliberately creates tensions. China expresses strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to this.
What I would like to reiterate is that there is nothing disputable about China carrying out normal maritime and air activities which are consistent with international laws and relevant domestic laws and regulations. The establishment of the East China Sea ADIZ is the exercise of China's legitimate rights and interests and is in conformity with international laws and common practices. China is firmly resolute in its determination to safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests; meanwhile, we are committed to resolving territorial and maritime disputes through dialogue and consultation. China always maintains that disputes concerning maritime issues between China and Japan should be handled through dialogue in an equal-footed and mutually respected way so as to manage and control disputes and crisis. However, despite all these facts, Japan keeps laying malicious and groundless accusations against China and playing up security threats in its neighboring areas. All this is done as an excuse for Japan to loosen restrictions on its military and break the shackles imposed on it after the Second World War, which is extremely dangerous and irresponsible.
Japan's act also once again reflects the negative view and policy direction the Japanese sitting government has towards China, which contradicts the call from the Japanese side to improve bilateral relations. We urge the Japanese side to bear in mind the fundamental interests of the two peoples as well as peace and stability of the region, view China's development correctly, adopt a positive policy towards China and make down-to-earth efforts to enhance political and security mutual trust and improve relations between China and Japan.