CRI听力:China Urges Japan to Explain Constitutional Amendment

The Chinese government is rebuffing calls by Japan's Prime Minister for talks.

In rejecting the idea of talks between the two sides, the Chinese government says Shinzo Abe's call for talks are "insincere," saying the Chinese leadership would prefer to dedicate its time to more meaningful and useful endeavors.

At the same time, the Chinese side is calling on the Abe administration to explain its reasons for pursuing an amendment to Japan's pacifist constitution.

This suggestion follows recent comments by Abe, who has been calling on the Chinese government to be more transparent regarding its military spending.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang.

"Japan should be increasing transparency. Japan should explain to other Asian countries, and the international community, why it is attempting to change its pacifist constitution, and why it is trying so hard to expand and build up its military. What is its real objective?"

Abe's cabinet approved a critical defense policy package in December, in which the government vows to seek more "proactive" roles for its military forces abroad.

Shinzo Abe has created new waves this week after suggesting China and Japan are in a similar position to that of Britain and Germany on the eve of World War One.

Tensions have been rising in East Asia following Abe's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.

Visits to the shine are considered an insult to the countries Japan invaded and occupied during its expansionist phase during the first half of the 20th century.