Japanese neo-militarism is spreading rapidly and dangerously, posing a real threat to world peace and stability, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing after the Japanese government finalized a plan to revise the rank titles of Self-Defense Forces officers and intended to submit the relevant amendment bill to the Diet (Japanese parliament) within this year.

In recent years, Japan's defense policy has shifted in a direction that is offensive, expansionist and dangerous, which runs counter to the image of "a country of peace" that Japan claims to be, Lin said.

Japan is now trying to revert to the rank titles from World War II under the pretext of "glory." This is an attempt to make breakthroughs in both system and perception, and it also rubs salt into the wounds of victim countries, Lin noted.

It makes us wonder whether Japan is still indulging in militarist dreams and what "glory" exactly refers to, Lin added.

Japanese neo-militarism is growing rapidly and poses a real threat. The international community, including the Chinese people, should remain highly vigilant, firmly uphold the outcomes of World War II and not allow the tragedies of history to be repeated, Lin said.