China's defence ministry criticises Japan's new white paper

A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman on Thursday slammed Japan's Defense Ministry's white paper for 2013, urging the Japanese side to "look in the mirror" instead of discrediting others. According to Japan's Kyodo News, an overview of the white paper released on Tuesday said that a lack of transparency in the Chinese military and its security affairs is "a concern" for the region and the international community. At a regular press briefing, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said that "blindly advocating confrontation will eventually benefit no one," urging the Japanese side to reflect on history so as to have a bright future. The Chinese military will continue to pay close attention on the white paper, said Yang. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Wednesday also urged Japan to conduct some introspection and do more to facilitate regional peace and stability. China adheres to a road of peaceful development and pursues a national defense policy with a defensive nature, Hua said, adding that the country is transparent in its military's strategic intent and poses no threat to any nation.