China 'vigilant' over Japan's military moves

China remains vigilant over Japan's move toward lifting a ban on using collective self-defence, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Thursday.

"Since they came into power, Abe and his administration have taken some unprecedented moves in the military and security field," Hua Chunying told a daily press briefing.

Hua made the comments when asked about the recommendation by a Japanese panel set up by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Earlier on Thursday, the panel proposed that Japan remove a ban on using collective self-defence by reinterpreting the constitution. It also argued that Japan needs to reinterpret its pacifist constitution amid China's military build-up and nuclear threats from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"Due to various negative directions on historical issues that have been arising in Japan, Asian countries, including China, and the international community, have full reason to be highly vigilant over Japan's true intention and its future development," Hua said.

She urged Japan to face up to and reflect on history, respect the legitimate safety concerns of Asian countries, pursue a path of peaceful development and play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability.