Japan's military spending increase is seen as a clear sign that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, seen here in this file photo from September 2013, wants to raise the country's military profile to meet what he says is a threat from China's rapid military buildup. Scott Halleran/Getty Images

China's military lashed out Saturday at Japan's plans to boost defense spending, accusing Tokyo of raising regional tensions under the pretext of safeguarding national security, saying it "resolutely opposes" the five-year defense plan adopted by its rival earlier this week.

Japan "continues to deny its history of World War II aggression, challenge the post-war order, and harm the feelings of the people of those victimized nations," Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said in a statement posted on the ministry's website.

Under the arrangement adopted Tuesday, Japan will raise defense spending by 5 percent over the next five years to purchase its first surveillance drones, more jet fighters and naval destroyers, and set up an amphibious unit similar to the U.S. Marines. Other outlets have reported that Japan will increase its military spending by 2.6 percent. To achieve that smaller spending increase, Japan will reportedly use streamlining measures to cut costs.

China's strongly worded statement marks the latest salvo in the ongoing string of accusations over who is responsible for a sharp rise in tensions in the East China Sea.

Broader defense program guidelines also adopted Tuesday say Japan is "gravely concerned" about China's growing maritime and military presence in the East China Sea, and its lack of transparency and "high-handed" approach. Late last month, China said all aircraft entering a vast zone over the East China sea must identify themselves and follow China's instructions.

China's military has taken an increasingly hawkish stance amid a bitter dispute with Tokyo over uninhabited islands in the sea controlled by Japan but claimed by China. Japan's nationalization of the islands in September 2012 sparked violent demonstrations in several Chinese cities. In the months since, Chinese patrol vessels have routinely confronted Japanese ships in the area, sparking fears of an incident.