China has lashed out against Japan's plans to spend a record nine trillion yen on defence for the fiscal year from April 2026, saying its plans reveal the "sinister intentions" of the country's right-wing forces to "push for the country's re-militarisation and resurrect militarism."

Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular news briefing on Friday when asked to comment on Japan's approval of its record defense budget plan.

"Despite the international community's continuous criticism over Japan's military and security moves, Japan plans to substantially increase its defense budget once again instead of reflecting on its actions and exercising restraint," Lin said.

He also said Beijing firmly opposes Japan's "dangerous moves" in the cyber field and strongly urges Tokyo to abide by its pacifist Constitution and uphold existing international rules and order with concrete actions.

"Should any improper act by Japan undermine China's sovereignty, security and development interests, it will surely elicit a solemn response from China," Lin said.

Japan has been shedding its strict pacifist stance in recent years, moving to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities and doubling military spending to two percent of GDP.

At the core of its request is 100 billion yen for the so-called SHIELD coastal defence system, which would marshal drones to block any invasion by foreign troops. (Xinhua/ AFP)