BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- East Asia is one of the most peaceful and stable regions in the world and a promising land for cooperation and development, not an arena for geopolitical contest, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.
Spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on the reports that Japanese defense minister Yasukazu Hamada said at a press conference on Nov. 4 that Japan has officially joined NATO's cyber defense center.
NATO has publicly stated on many occasions that it will remain a regional alliance and it does not seek a geopolitical breakthrough. The Asia-Pacific lies beyond the geographical scope of the North Atlantic and has no need for a NATO replica, Zhao noted.
"In recent years, however, we have seen NATO constantly strengthening ties with Asia-Pacific countries. What is it really up to? This calls for high vigilance in the international community, in particular Asia-Pacific countries," Zhao said.
"East Asia is one of the most peaceful and stable regions in the world and a promising land for cooperation and development, not an arena for geopolitical contest," Zhao said, adding that given the history of overseas aggression waged by Japanese militarism during the last century, Japan's neighbors in Asia and the international community pay close attention to Japan's military and security tendencies.
"What Japan should do is draw lessons from history, stay committed to the path of peaceful development, and avoid doing things that could dismantle trust and affect peace and stability in this region," he added.
