China on Monday expressed serious concern over Japan's deepened military cooperation with NATO, warning that such moves threaten regional peace and undermine the post-war international order.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks in response to reports that Japan plans to further develop defense cooperation with NATO.

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While noting that Japan has been vigorously advancing its "remilitarization", frequently interacting with military organizations from outside the region, expanding the operational scope of its Self-Defense Forces, and building a combat-ready operational system, Lin stressed that these actions constitute a breach of Japan's Constitution, as well as international and domestic rules, challenge the post-war international order, and run counter to Japan's professed image as a peaceful nation.

He warned that Japan's rising neo-militarism poses a threat to regional peace and stability, and called for high vigilance and resolute containment from the international community.