China says Japan has torn off its so-called 'peaceful nation' mask

China on Thursday urged the international community to remain vigilant against any resurgence of militarism in Japan, saying Tokyo has already torn off the mask of a so-called "peaceful nation."

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to reports that the Japanese government had defended its security policy after a joint statement issued by China and Pakistan in late May referred to opposition to attempts to revive militarism. According to media reports, Japan said its path as a peaceful nation under its "exclusively defense-oriented policy" remains unchanged.

The international community's common resolve to oppose militarism is unwavering, Li said. While chanting slogans about "peace" and "defense," Japan is barreling headlong down the path of remilitarization, he added.

Lin stated that Japan has continued to substantially increase defense spending, loosen restrictions on exports of lethal weapons, advance the deployment of medium and long-range missiles, expand offensive military capabilities, stockpile large amounts of sensitive nuclear materials and push for revisions to its Peace Constitution.

In fact, Japan has already removed the mask of its self-styled status as a "peaceful nation," Lin said. The international community must stay on high alert and never allow the resurgence of Japanese militarism.