China Says Japan Defense Comments Irresponsible

China has expressed its "strong dissatisfaction" after Japan said it was concerned with China's increasing naval activity in waters surrounding its shores.

A Foreign Ministry statement late Wednesday said Japan's annual defense report contained irresponsible comments.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu says in the statement that China's defense and military modernization drive does not target any country and is solely for safeguarding its own sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

Japan's report said Tokyo continues to be concerned by exercises held in the Pacific and in waters surrounding Japan.

Ties between Japan and China have been strained for years over a contested gas field and disputed islands in the East China Sea.