BEIJING, Dec. 31, (Asia Free Press): Colonel Tan Kefei, Deputy Head of the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense and Spokesperson for the Chinese military, on Thursday, said China hopes that Japan can solemnly reflect on its history of aggression and exercise self-discipline by drawing lessons from the past, local media reported.
Tan said Japan has recently been attempting to break away from its “exclusively defence-oriented policy” and blamed surrounding countries for military confrontation, which is highly inappropriate and dangerous; the Spokesperson made these remarks during the routine press conference.
The wars of aggression waged by Japanese militarists had brought enormous suffering to China and other countries and their peoples in the region, Tan said.
The Spokesperson also urged the United States to cease hostile naval and airforce manoeuvres against China; he made the remarks in response to a media inquiry regarding a video meeting recently held by Chinese and American militaries under their Maritime Military Consultative Agreement mechanism.
“The US navy and air force conduct reconnaissance, surveying and highly targeted exercises and training near China and frequently conduct infringing and provocative manoeuvres. This is the root cause of military air and maritime safety issues between China and the US, the most fundamental solution is that the US side desists from aggressive manoeuvres” Tan added.
Tan also pointed out that China urges Japan to abide by the principles established in the four political documents between the two countries, prudently and adequately handling relevant sensitive issues, enhancing mutual trust with neighbouring countries, and maintaining durable regional peace and long-lasting stability.
