MANILA - China accused Philippine president Benigno Aquino III of complicating an already difficult situation and stirring up tensions in the region, after Aquino said he welcomed Japan's move to revisit its pacifist constitution.

Aquino made the statement in Tokyo, during a joint press conference Tuesday with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe.

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"We... do not view with alarm any proposal to revisit the Japanese constitution, if the Japanese people so desire, especially if this enhances Japan's ability to address its international obligations, and brings us closer to the attainment of our shared goals of peace, stability, and mutual prosperity," Aquino said.

The Philippine president also mentioned the phrase "collective defense" several times in later statements, referring to the possible alliances that the Philippines could forge with Japan, once the latter's pacifist constitution is amended.

Abe had earlier stated that he wanted an early agreement with his ruling party's allies  to amend the constitution and ease limitations that have kept Japan's military from fighting abroad since the World War II.

In Wednesday's press conference in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Aquino's statements had complicated an already difficult situation. She also urged the Philippine president to remain sincere in his desire to maintain stability and peaceful cooperation in East China sea.

"It is our opinion that relevant countries should show sincerity and move towards the same direction with China, rather than deliberately stir up tension and bring additional complicated factors to the regional situation," Hua Chunying said when asked to comment on Aquino's statements.

Japan and the Philippines have both been challenging China's claims in the East China Sea and South China Sea. Sino-Japanese relations also suffer tensions because of what Beijing perceives as Japan's failure to atone war crimes when the latter's forces occupied parts of China in the 1930s and 1940s.

China has repeatedly stated it is against any moves by the Japanese government to revive militarism.  

"Because of historical reasons, China has maintained a high degree of concern about Japan's policy movements in the military and security fields," Hua said.

TagsBeningo Aquino, East China Sea tensions, Japan militarism