In its annual diplomatic report, Japan has criticised China over fears regarding security both at a domestic and international level.

Published in Japan’s diplomatic “Blue Book”, the country also says Chinese naval exercises within the East China Sea are in breach of international law.

Responding to the comments, Beijing’s Foreign Ministry believes “Japan’s Blue Book hypes up the China threat, smears China and interferes in China’s domestic affairs.”

China is urging Japan to “redress these mistakes and build a stable relationship with concrete actions”

In July 2020, Japan lodged a complaint saying Chinese officials are “relentlessly” working their way towards the East China Sea, and it is “a matter of grave concern”.