http://news.yam.com/afp/international/200805/20080531692305.html
日防衛大臣籲中國提高軍事透明度
法新社╱法新社 2008-05-31 18:20
(法新社新加坡三十一日電)日本防衛大臣(國防部長)石破茂今天在新加坡「香格里拉對話」中發表演說時強調,日本希望中國繼續享有穩定發展,也不會故意誇大「中國威脅論」,但呼籲中國進一步提高軍事透明度以及其發展軍事武力的目的,日本也願意在此背景下和鄰國就安全與其他議題對話。
石破茂指出,大家已經目睹中國在政治、經濟、軍事和東亞安全、世界未來急劇變化上,與日俱增的重要性。
他也完全理解中國在統治這個全球人口最大的國家、那麼多的族群,以及與那麼多的國家接壤所面臨的困難。
石破茂表示,他希望中國能持續享有穩定發展,並且對區域穩定和世界和平享有做出貢獻的巨大潛力。日本將不會故意誇大「中國威脅論」,「但與此同時,我們呼籲中國應該進一步提高軍事武力的透明度和發展武力的目的」。
石破茂說,在這個背景下,日本希望進一步推動與鄰國在安全和其他議題上的對話。
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080531/wl_asia_afp/asiasecurityjapanchinamilitary_080531083546;_ylt=Aj4kAgS_FCf_Uc7lyb4WRurtOrgF
Japan urges greater Chinese transparency on military plans
Sat May 31, 4:35 AM ET
SINGAPORE (AFP) - Japan urged China on Saturday to be more transparent about its military capabilities and step up dialogue with its neighbours to enhance regional security.
"Japan does not subscribe to purposely overstating China as a threat," Japanese Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba said in an address to an international security forum in Singapore.
"At the same time, we would like to urge China to further enhance the transparency of its military capabilities and their purpose," he added at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual meeting of security officials and experts.
"In this context, we hope the development of dialogues with neighbouring countries on security and other issues will be further facilitated."
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, speaking at the same forum, also called for "openness and transparency" as armed forces modernise in Asia. He stopped short of singling out China.
"Transparency enhances confidence and reduces competitive arms spending. The same applies to the way in which sovereign governments make their national security decisions," Gates said.
Japan's Ishiba did not go into detail but the reported confirmation this month that China had set up an underground nuclear submarine base close to vital sea lanes in Southeast Asia has raised concern in the region as well as the US.
The base's existence on the southern tip of Hainan Island was confirmed for the first time by high resolution satellite images, according to Jane's Intelligence Review, a respected defence periodical.
It could reportedly hold up to 20 submarines, including a new type of nuclear ballistic missile submarine and future Chinese aircraft carrier battle groups, posing a challenge to longstanding US military dominance in Asia.
But Lieutenant General Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of the general staff of the People's Liberation Army, defended China's defence programme, saying China had made a "strategic choice" to hold "the banner of peace".
"History tells us that we must rely on ourselves for sufficient defensive capabilities," Ma said at the forum.
"To maintain territorial integrity and protect maritime interests is our unshirkable responsibility," he said.
Ishiba said he recognised the difficulties China faces in governing a country with the world's largest population, and borders with many countries.
"I hope China continues to enjoy stable development and will contribute with its huge potential to the stability of the region and world peace," the Japanese minister said.
Despite improving bilateral ties, highlighted by Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Japan earlier this month, the spectre of World War II and Japan's past militarism remain sensitive issues in China.