China on Thursday slammed Japan for promoting a new version of the "free and open Indo-Pacific" concept, describing it as "hypocritical" and at odds with the shared aspirations of regional countries for peace and cooperation.

Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during a regular press briefing in Beijing when responding to a query regarding Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's frequent references to the updated version this year, along with lobbying efforts by Japanese officials visiting countries including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Australia.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi answers a question at the Upper House's plenary session in the National Diet, Japan's legislature, in Tokyo, Japan, June 19, 2026. (Photo: CFP)

"While they chant 'freedom and openness' with their mouths, they are harboring thoughts of confrontation and division in their hearts," Guo said.

"Such a hypocritical concept runs counter to the shared aspirations of regional countries for peace, development, and cooperation, and is destined to fail to win genuine support," Guo added.

People attend a protest in front of the Japanese prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, November 21, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

The spokesperson emphasized that the Asia-Pacific region requires stability rather than turmoil, and cooperation rather than division.

"Maintaining the post-WWII international order and upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter constitute the foundation for prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific and represent the shared responsibility of countries in the region," he stressed.