China on Tuesday urged Japan to reflect on its militarist past and stick to the path of peaceful development after new security laws took effect the same day.
"We hope Japan can earnestly learn lessons from history, stay on the path of peaceful development, act with prudence in its military and security policies and make more constructive efforts for regional peace and stability," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular press briefing.
When asked about the new laws that will allow Japan's armed forces to expand overseas operations, Hong also repeated China's oft-used expression that "due to historical reasons," Tokyo's developments in its military and security fields have been carefully watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community.