Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday expressed "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" to Japan's latest defense white paper, saying Japan's move was contradictory to its stated desire to improve bilateral ties.

Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement that the white paper ignored the facts once again and artificially created tension by making irresponsible remarks on China's normal military development and maritime activities and maliciously played up the so-called "China threat."

The Japanese cabinet approved a defense white paper for 2014 on Tuesday. It expressed strong concern about China's military development and activity in the East China and South China seas; the establishment of an air defence identification zone in the East China Sea; and an "unusually close encounter" between Chinese and Japanese military aircraft.

Hua reiterated that it is justified for China to carry out normal air and maritime activities according to international and domestic laws.

The establishment of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) by the Chinese government is China's legitimate right and in line with international laws and practices, Hua added.

Hua said China is committed to solving territorial and maritime disputes via dialogue and consultation.

China has always advanced that China and Japan should conduct dialogue on disputes over maritime issues with an attitude of equality and mutual respect.

Japan's move of hyping up so-called "China threat" totally disregarded the above-mentioned facts and put blame on China, said Hua.

By playing up external threat, Japan is trying to push its military development and get rid of post-war restrictions, said Hua, adding that Japan's move is dangerous and irresponsible.

Japan's move also reflected the negative understanding about China and negative policy toward China of the current Japanese government, which were contradictory to its statement of improving bilateral ties.

"We urge the Japanese side to proceed from the fundamental interests of the two peoples and the overall peace and stability in the region, treat China's development in a correct view, and pursue a positive policy toward China, so as to make substantial efforts to enhance the political and security mutual trust between the two countries and improve bilateral ties," she said.