BEIJING - A Ministry of Defense spokesman said Thursday that China opposes the "groundless criticisms" of its national defense policy contained in a recently released Japanese defense paper.

"China strongly opposes the groundless criticisms of its national defense development and military activity, as well as irresponsible remarks regarding China's internal affairs, made in Japan's defense white paper," spokesman Geng Yansheng.

Geng said China has already brought the issue up with Japanese authorities.

Geng said China adheres to a road of peaceful development and maintains a purely defensive military policy.

The strengthening of China's national defense is in accordance with its need to maintain sovereignty and is not directed at any one country, Geng said.

"China will continue to organize normal military exercises and training activities and resolutely safeguard its national sovereignty and marine rights," said the spokesman.

Geng said Japan has worried the international community by making excuses for its continuous arms expansion, reinforcement of military alliances and "distorting facts" regarding regional security issues.

The spokesman urged Japan to examine its own military policies and do more to preserve regional peace and stability.

Japan on Tuesday released its annual Defense of Japan report, expressing concern about Chinese naval activity in the Pacific Ocean.

The report said China will likely expand its maritime military activities and conduct operations in waters near Japan, including the East China Sea, South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.