BEIJING - Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Tuesday described an annual defense report recently issued by Japan as an attempt to play up the "China threat," adding that Japan's efforts to bolster its military are worrisome.

Hua said at a regular press briefing that Japan is deliberately creating tension between both sides, adding that political forces in Japan are using the tension to justify the expansion of the country's military.

The report, issued by Japan on Tuesday, says that when addressing disputes with other countries, China attempts to change the status quo by force based on its own assertions.

Some of China's activities are dangerous and could cause a contingency, the report says, noting "China should accept and stick to international norms."

Relations between both sides deteriorated after the Japanese government "purchased" part of the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea last year. The incumbent Japanese cabinet has refused to accept a decision made by the two countries' leaders in the 1970s to put the dispute aside for future resolution.

"We hope that the Japanese side can adopt a more proper attitude and make efforts to improve political trust and enhance regional peace and stability," Hua said.

She said China cannot be criticized for carrying out normal maritime activities according to international law and relevant domestic laws.

China will stick to a route of peaceful development and pursue a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, the spokeswoman said.

Hua said China has always insisted on resolving territorial and maritime disputes through dialogue and consultation.

"At the same time, China will never allow any country to infringe on its territorial integrity," she said.