China has urged Japan to exercise prudence in the military and security sphere, rather than flexing its military muscle and undermining regional stability.

The remarks were made on Monday by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun in response to a news conference question regarding Japan's participation in ongoing Philippines-US military exercises. Last week, a Japanese destroyer passed through the Taiwan Strait en route to the drills.

Guo noted that during World War II, Japan engaged in military aggression and colonial rule in Southeast Asia, including in the Philippines, for which it bears historical responsibility.

"Japan should seriously reflect on its history of aggression, act prudently in the military and security domain, and refrain from flaunting its military power and undermining regional stability," the spokesman said.