(VOVworld) - China expressed concern over the passage of sweeping security legislation by Japan's lower house on Thursday, warning against the expansion of the Self-Defense Forces' activities abroad.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying (Photo: Kyodo/ VNA)

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said they urged the Japanese to  respect the major security concerns of its Asian neighbors, and refrain from jeopardizing China's sovereignty and security interests or crippling regional peace and stability. He said the approval of the legislation is a move that has not happened since World War II and could result in great changes to Japan’s security and military policy.

On the same day, the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Japan to be transparent in its new military policy which contributes to regional security and peace.