Japan's Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu says his country's efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities will be conducted within the bounds of the nation's exclusively defense-oriented policy.

Hamada addressed the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday.

He said Japan intends to deter any challenges against the existing international order by means of enhanced deterrence capabilities at home.

He also said Japan is not aiming to acquire military forces that could pose a threat to other countries.

In an apparent reference to threats from North Korea and China, Hamada noted that military provocations, including ballistic missile launches as well as repeated incursions by foreign vessels into Japanese territorial waters, have become regular occurrences in the region.

He said such activities are interfering with a free, open and stable maritime environment.

Hamada also noted that especially in the East and South China seas, there have been moves to unilaterally change the status quo by force and coercion, challenging the existing international order.

He underlined the necessity for Japan and China to maintain constant communications to avoid a contingency in an unstable security environment characterized by tensions and distrust.

The minister indicated that Japan will seek trust-building efforts with China through dialogue, to establish constructive and stable bilateral relations.