China's Defense Ministry on Thursday expressed "strong opposition" to Japan's 2011 defense white paper, saying the document plays up the "China threat theory" and has ulterior motives.

Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng made the remarks when responding to a question on the white paper released Tuesday by the Japanese government.

"China unswervingly adheres to the path of peaceful development, sticks to the policy of building friendship and partnership with neighboring countries as well as pursues the defensive nature of its national defense policy," said the spokesman.

China is modernizing its national defense systems and armed forces only to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and to ensure the smooth development of its economy and society, Geng said.

"We hope the Japanese side will take into consideration the overall situation of China-Japan relations and make more efforts to build mutual trust with its neighbors and safeguard the region's peace and stability," he added.

On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu also expressed the country's "strong dissatisfaction" about the white paper as the Japanese defense report contained "irresponsible comments."

"China's development has brought great opportunities to every country in the world, including Japan," he said, adding that China has never and will not attempt to threaten any country.

"We hope the Japanese side will use history as a guide, and reflect on its defense policy earnestly, and make more efforts to enhance mutual trust with its neighbors," Ma said.