A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson says China has good reason to be vigilant with regards to Japan's defense budget. Japan's cabinet has approved the country's highest military spending plan, as part of its budget for next year.

"In recent years, Japan has continually depicted China as a threat, while increasing its military strength. For historical reasons we have good cause to be vigilant over tendencies and intentions from the Japanese side," said Hua Chunying, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

"In fact, we notice that even many in Japan have raised doubts and criticism about this. Japan's Asian neighbours and the international community will wait and see whether Japan will draw lessons from history, and stick to the path of peaceful development."