Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hong Lei at the regular press conference held on March 30, 2016 [Photo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

The foreign ministry says that China strongly opposes a move by Japan hyping the so-called "China threat" to push forward Japan's own political agenda.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hong Lei also urges Japan to be mindful of the concerns of its neighboring countries and stick to the road of peaceful development.

"The thing that needs to be stressed here is some forces in Japan have been attempting to take advantage of the theory of the "China treat" to propel a domestic political agenda. China strongly opposes the move and requests Japan to not harm China's sovereignty and security, and not take actions that will harm regional peace and stability."

The comments came after a new set of controversial security laws took effect in Japan, allowing its military to be deployed abroad for the first time since the end of World War II in 1945.

Inside Japan, public opinion remains divided over the move.

A voter survey by the Yomiuri newspaper published on Tuesday showed 47 percent did not approve of the changes against 38 percent who did.

Thousands of people protested in front of the Japanese parliament on Tuesday evening, the day when the laws took effect.

"I feel strong anger that legislation was passed, bills that will break Japan's 70 years of dedication to self-defense without attacking first."

"I don't think we should ever forgive the fact that bills which would help the country enter war have come into effect."

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said the security legislation, the biggest change in Japan's defense policy since the creation of its military in 1954, is vital to meet new challenges.

Critics say the changes, which already triggered mass demonstrations ahead of their enactment last September, violate the pacifist constitution and increase the risk of involvement in foreign wars.

Opposition parties are planning to campaign for the laws' repeal in an upper house election in July.