China warns Japan over its role as NATO's "spearhead" in Asia-Pacific: spokesman

China

China warns Japan over its role as NATO's "spearhead" in Asia-Pacific: spokesman

2025-04-11 16:10 Last Updated At：22:27

Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday condemned Japan's role in NATO's expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, criticizing its interference in China's internal affairs.

During a regular press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks in response to a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday, where Japan reaffirmed its continued role in strengthening NATO's cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners. The joint statement issued by both sides made negative remarks against China on issues concerning the East China Sea, South China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait.

"China has taken note of the situation. China expresses strong dissatisfaction with and resolute opposition to Japan's collaboration with NATO to interfere in China's internal affairs, inflame regional tensions, and provoke confrontation. The Asia-Pacific region is a high ground for cooperation and development, and it does not need military blocs, nor does it need major power confrontation or the instigation of a new Cold War through 'small circles'. NATO, as a regional defensive military alliance, should not exceed the geographical scope defined by its own treaty or extend its power beyond its bounds," said Lin.

"Due to historical reasons, Japan's military and security developments have long drawn the attention of its Asian neighbors and the international community. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Japan should draw profound lessons from history, adhere to the path of Asia-Pacific cooperation, and play a constructive role in safeguarding and promoting peace, stability, and development in the region and globally. Acting as the 'spearhead' of NATO's expansion into the Asia-Pacific will only lead to negative consequences for Japan," Lin added.

China's aggregate social financing maintains high growth in 2025

China's outstanding aggregate social financing -- the total amount of financing to the real economy -- reached 442.12 trillion yuan (about 63.4 trillion U.S. dollars) as of the end of 2025, up 8.3 percent year on year, central bank data showed on Thursday.

The country's aggregate social financing stood at 35.6 trillion yuan (about 5.1 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2025, up by 3.34 trillion yuan (about 479 billion U.S. dollars) from the year 2024, said the People's Bank of China (PBOC), the country's central bank.

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