China criticizes Japan, NATO for stirring up trouble

China slammed Japan and NATO for interfering in its domestic affairs, playing up regional tensions and instigating confrontation.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian voiced China's strong dissatisfaction and opposition to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's remarks during his recent meeting with visiting NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and a joint statement they issued.

Ishiba told a news conference after his talks with Rutte on Wednesday that a strong NATO benefits Japan, according to reports.

In the joint statement issued after the talks, both sides mentioned the East China Sea, the South China Sea and the situation across the Taiwan Strait, and made negative remarks about China.

In response, Lin said on Friday that the Asia-Pacific does not need a military bloc. Nor does the region need confrontation between major countries or "small groups" that hype a new Cold War, he said.

"NATO, as a regional and defensive military organization, should not reach beyond its geographic scope stipulated by its treaty or step outside its zone," Lin said.

Lin also warned Japan to refrain from "spearheading NATO's expansion into the Asia-Pacific", as such a move "will backfire".

Due to historical reasons, Japan's military and security moves have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community, Lin said, urging the country to learn from history and stay committed to Asia-Pacific cooperation.