China's defense minister on July 17 criticized the new military bill.Japan's decision to send troops overseas has extended the war of words between the two countries over Japan's decision to send troops abroad, according to Reuters.

Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan said Japan's bill is complicating regional security - Photo: Reuters

Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan told Shotaro Yachi, a close ally of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, that passing the bill was an "unprecedented move," according to Xinhua.

On July 16, Japan's lower house of parliament passed a bill allowing the country's military to fight overseas. If the bill becomes law, it will be the first time in 70 years since the end of World War II that the Japanese military will be allowed to fight outside its territory.

Reuters quoted Mr. Chang Wanquan's statement on Xinhua News Agency saying that "this move will complicate regional security and strategic stability". Mr. Chang Wanquan urged Japan to "review the lessons of history, respect the security issues of neighboring countries, and not harm regional peace and stability".

Mr. Chang Wanquan's speech has extended the controversy between Japan and China over Prime Minister Abe's ambition to allow the Japanese military to fight abroad.

Reviewing the honor guard of the Japan Self-Defense Forces - Photo: Reuters

Previously, on July 16, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying called on Japan to avoid "paralyzing regional peace and security."

"We solemnly urge the Japanese side to avoid endangering China's sovereignty, security and interests or paralyzing regional peace and stability," Reuters quoted Hua Chunying's statement on the Chinese Foreign Ministry website.

Responding to Beijing’s statements, on July 17, Chief of the General Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, said Tokyo would conduct patrols in the East Sea in the future. Mr. Kawano commented that China may increase illegal reclamation in the East Sea to “strengthen” Beijing’s unreasonable sovereignty claims in this sea.

(According to TNO)