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China warns Japan against military buildup

BEIJING: China warned Japan on Thursday against a military buildup but said it did not believe the U.S.-Japan security agreement was targeted at Beijing.

If Japan did build up its military, the move was bound to cause concern among its neighbours, including China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Shen Guofang told a news briefing.

"If Japan's defence forces build up armaments...it is bound to cause concern and vigilance among other nations," Shen said. "We urge Japan to move with caution."

Shen added that Beijing did not think the U.S.-Japan security agreement struck in Tokyo on Wednesday was aimed at China. China was willing to strengthen cooperation with both Japan and the United States on the basis of peaceful coexistence, he said.

U.S. President Bill Clinton and Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto signed a declaration pledging increased cooperation between Tokyo and Washington on intelligence, military technology transfers and other matters such as supply of ammunition and other materials in peacetime.-Reuter