China urges Abe not to stir up enmity

China on Saturday refuted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's recent comments regarding maritime disputes by urging the Japanese side to respect truth and not to stir up enmity and mislead the public.

We have taken note of Japanese leader's recent comments in which he has insinuated other countries," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang.

Qin's comments came in response to a question regarding Abe's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday. While saying that Asia is a region with remarkable growth, the Japanese leader said Japan would give "its utmost support" to some of the countries in their maritime claims.

"We have decided to provide ten patrol vessels to the Philippine Coast Guard," Abe said, adding that Japan is also "moving forward with the necessary survey to enable us to provide such vessels to Vietnam as well." "In fact, Japan should clarify its recent moves in military security field to the international community, and abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations while addressing territorial and maritime disputes with its neighbors," Qin said. The spokesman urged the Japanese side to face up to history and respect truth, and avoid stirring up enmity and confusing the public.

Japan should take more practical actions that help maintain regional peace and stability, the spokesman added.