Officials from China's Academy of Social Sciences have condemned the controversial security bills passed by Japan's Lower House recently. During a press conference at the State Council Information Office on Friday, officials said the move undermines the basis of the bilateral ties between the two nations.

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The Potsdam Declaration is a statement issued by China, Britain and the United States on July 26, 1945. It categorically laid out the terms for the surrender of Japanese forces in the Second World War and has influenced the country's path of peaceful development ever since.  

There have been several protests since Japanese lawmakers approved a series of security bills allowing the country's forces to fight abroad. Several foreigners and Japanese nationals - including former Prime Minister Tomichi Murayama - have expressed disapproval for the bills. Despite assurances from Japanese officials that the legislation is not targeting any particular nation, Chinese diplomats have expressed deep concerns.

Officials say the security bills create distrust between both countries. "It is not China that holds back the past in history with Japan, but Japan's improper moves and comments that hurts our feelings and challenges the authority of international laws and documents," Lyu Yaodong, a foreign policy expert, told the press.

With the 70^th anniversary of the Potsdam Declaration around the corner, Japan has been urged to reflect on history and respect the landmark agreement. The U.S. has also been urged to condemn the security bills.

Experts say the U.S. is faced with a dilemma over this issue. At the same time that Japan is seemingly returning to her militaristic past, the country is also accusing China of trespassing on disputed maritime territories in the East China Sea and South China Sea. Several US ally countries in the region - including Japan and the Philippines - have called on U.S. authorities to intervene in the dispute.

Daniel Russel, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, recently revealed that the U.S. is not neutral in the territorial dispute involving China and her neighbors. He noted that the U.S. will "forcefully" implement international law. Experts have warned that the U.S. risks complicating the conflict further by taking sides.

Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang warned on Thursday that Japan's disclosure of China's activities in the East China Sea "provokes confrontation between the two countries." He said China's oil and gas exploration in the East China Sea is being carried out in her own territory.

"The Chinese side remains unchanged on its position of implementing the principled consensus concerning the East China Sea, and is willing to maintain communication with Japan on relevant issues related to the East China Sea," Lu explained.

The brewing dispute between the East Asian neighbors could have serious implications on regional security.

TagsPotsdam Declaration, Potsdam Declaration Japan, East China Sea dispute, Japan China East China Sea Dispute, second world war, Tomichi Murayama