CRI听力:China Concerned about Japan's New Military Policy

The Chinese government has released a new statement, saying it's paying great attention to Japan's easing of its weapons export restriction.

The statement follows a move by the Japanese government to relax its decades-old ban on military-related exports.
 

The move by Tokyo represents the first major change in Japan's defense export policy in nearly half a century.
 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei.
 

"Japan's changes in its military policy is related to regional security and strategic stability, and is also related to Japan's future path. China is highly concerned by the move. We call on the Japanese authorities to learn from history and listen to the concerns of its neighbours, while at the same time, pursue peaceful development and make moves that are conducive to regional peace."
 

Observers are suggesting the move by the Japanese government is meant to expand its arms sales into Southeast Asia.
 

The new guidelines endorsed by the Japanese Cabinet are being viewed as part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's push to revise the country's broader defense and security policies.
 

Abe is on-record saying Japan needs to play a larger role in international peacekeeping and defence.
 

Japanese observers widely expect the Abe administration to push for the elimination of Article-9 of the Japanese Constitution to allow for its military to engage in activities outside the current mandate of self-defense.