China slams Japan’s new military strategyDecember 21, 2013 - 09:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - China has denounced Japan's new national security strategy, accusing it of military expansion, according to BBC News. Defence Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said in a statement that the move would increase regional tensions, state news agency Xinhua reported. Earlier this week, Japan said it would buy advanced equipment including drones and amphibious vehicles. It comes as Tokyo is embroiled in a bitter row with Beijing over islands in the East China Sea that both claim. "China is firmly opposed to Japan's relevant actions," said Mr Geng. He accused Tokyo of using its national security as a pretext for military expansion. The statement said Japan's security policy caused "great concerns" among neighbouring countries. The announcement of more Japanese military spending came weeks after China established an air defence identification zone over a swathe of the East China Sea, including islands controlled by Japan. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he wants Japan to broaden the scope of activities performed by the military - something currently tightly controlled by the post-war constitution. Over the five years, Japan plans to buy anti-missile destroyers, submarines, 52 amphibious vehicles, surveillance drones, U.S. fighter planes and 17 Boeing Osprey aircraft, capable of vertical take-off. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Japan ranks fifth in the world for military spending while China is in second place behind the U.S. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Pashinyan’s spokesperson denies intention to visit Baku for COP29 Pashinyan’s agenda doesn’t include a trip to Baku for the COP29 conference, his press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan has said. Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. Armenia: Rescue workers restore pedestrian bridge for flood-hit community Rescue workers on Wednesday, June 5 restored a pedestrian bridge in the town of Alaverdi in Armenia’s north. Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. |