BEIJING, Dec. 17 -- China on Tuesday urged Japan to respect regional countries' "fair and reasonable" security concerns after the latter approved a defense policy package to expand its military might.

"Japan's policies in the military and security sphere are linked with its national development direction and will impact regional security," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing.

Considering Japan's negative activities on historical issues, Asian countries, including China, and the international community have to be highly watchful and alert about Japan's actions, Hua said when asked to comment on Japan's defense policy package.

The Japanese cabinet approved the policy package on Tuesday. It consists of a national security strategy, defense program guidelines and a five-year defense buildup plan.

In the security strategy, Japan pledged to seek more "proactive" roles for its military force abroad and to set new guidelines on arms exports, signaling a major shift from its previous restrictive policy.

"We urge Japan to face and sincerely review its history, follow the momentum of peaceful development and win-win cooperation, respect regional countries' fair and reasonable security concerns," Hua said.

She appealed to Japan to adopt peaceful development and contribute positively to regional peace and stability.