China has singled out Japan for its shifting security policies and lambasted the United States for undermining global stability, noting rising strategic competition among major powers, in its first defense white paper in seven years.

The white paper, released Wednesday and titled "China's National Defense in the New Era," comes amid Beijing and Washington's souring relations over military and trade issues, and as Tokyo casts a cautious eye on improving Sino-Japanese ties.

"The U.S. has adjusted its national security and defense strategies, and adopted unilateral policies," the paper said. "It has provoked and intensified competition among major countries, significantly increased its defense expenditure, pushed for additional capacity in nuclear, outer space, cyber and missile defense, and undermined global strategic stability."