Japan 'in no position' to make Taiwan remarks, ministry says

Japan is "in no position" to make wanton comments on the Taiwan question, a spokesman for the Chinese military said.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, said on Thursday in Beijing that the Taiwan question is part of China's internal affairs, and the nation accepts no interference from Japan on this matter.

"As everyone knows, Japan invaded Taiwan and then colonized the island for 50 years. It committed numerous crimes that were beyond description. That country is absolutely in no position to make any remark on the Taiwan question," Wu said.

He noted that Japan's military affairs are a major concern to the international community because of its history and the current situation.

"We urge Japan to draw lessons from its history, reflect on its war crimes and use concrete moves to gain trust from its Asian neighbors," the officer said.

Responding to a request for comment on Japan's close surveillance of China's CNS Liaoning aircraft carrier, Wu said it is clear that Japan wants to play up issues related to the Chinese carrier to create excuses for its military expansion, to which China is strongly opposed.

The spokesman said the moves by the Japanese aircraft and ships were very dangerous and were prone to misunderstandings or even accidents.

"The acts by Japan did harm to the bilateral relations and also posed serious threats to the safety of personnel and hardware from both sides," he said. "We demand that Japan stop such meaningless acts and take practical actions to maintain bilateral ties and regional peace and stability."