China urges Japan not to mislead the next generation

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday urged Japan not to mislead the next generation after the country unveiled a defense white paper for children, in which it "just harped on the same string of accusing and smearing China."

Japan's Defense Ministry on August 16 released a 30-page white paper for elementary and junior high school students which covers China's military development, the Diaoyu Islands and the South China Sea issues.

Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said China firmly opposes Japan's "unreasonable accusations against China's regular national defense construction, irresponsible remarks on China's legitimate maritime activities, and hype about the so-called 'China threat'."

"It is not constructive for Japan to underscore external threats to minors and incite confrontation," Zhao said.

He again urged Japan to face up to and reflect on history and not mislead its own nationals, especially the next generation.

(With input from Xinhua)