BEIJING - China has urged Japan to respect Asian security concerns and not to threaten China's sovereignty, after Japan's ruling coalition gave formal approval on Monday to bills that will expand the scope of operations by its Self-Defense Forces.

"We call on the Japanese side to respect its neighbors' security concerns, to take prudent action and not to harm China's sovereignty and security interests," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, after Monday's green light set the stage for Cabinet approval and submission of the bills to parliament.

Hua said China will continue to closely follow moves by the Japanese side and will take action to safeguard national security, regional peace and stability.