MOSCOW, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Russia has long been concerned about the risks posed by Japan's accelerated "re-militarization," including the sharp rise in its defense spending and efforts to break free from its post-war "peace constitution," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Thursday.

"We consistently highlight the perils of Japan's course toward accelerated re-militarization, including the galloping growth of its defense expenditures," she told the ministry's regular press conference.

Zakharova emphasized that such an irresponsible policy positions Japan as a catalyst for escalating tensions in Northeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

She further noted that Russia has systematically communicated its stance to Japan through diplomatic channels and voiced concern over the joint Japan-U.S. air force exercises held near Russia's borders on Dec. 10.

Russia stressed that such provocative military activities close to its territorial borders are unacceptable. "We regard this as a potential threat to Russia's security," Zakharova said. "We have issued a warning that we will take corresponding countermeasures to enhance our national defense capabilities and uphold our state sovereignty." Enditem