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 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |