BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- China said on Thursday it is on high alert for Japan's true intentions as the Japanese helicopter-carrier destroyer Kaga went into service on Wednesday.

According to Japanese media reports, the 19,500-tonne Kaga will be used for surveillance.

"The situation in the South China Sea is stable through the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries. China and its neighbors will never allow Japan to make trouble," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.

In recent years, Japan has played up the so-called "China threat," as an excuse for expanding its military, Hua said.

For historical reasons, the international community and especially Japan's neighbors keep a close eye on Japan's military moves, she told a routine press briefing.

"We have every reason to remain on high alert," she added.

The original Kaga was sunk by U.S. military during World War II. Japan should learn the lessons of history, Hua said.

"We hope the Kaga's reappearance is not resurgence of Japanese militarism," she said.