Japan has unveiled its largest naval warship since World War II, amid tensions over Islands Japan has possessed for more than 100 years but that China now claims.

The 250-meter long, flat-topped Izumo can carry more than nine helicopters and is designed to be used in anti-submarine warfare and border-area surveillance missions.

The ship is classified as a Destroyer although it looks like an Aircraft Carrier, and that has not escaped Beijing’s notice.

“We express our concern at Japan’s constant expansion of its military equipment.  This trend is worthy of high vigilance by Japan’s Asian neighbors and the international community,” China’s defense ministry said.

But Beijing has little room to speak of “expansion”.  Less than two weeks ago, the Chinese coast guard for the first time entered waters surrounding Japan’s Senkaku Islands, called the Diaoyus by China.

The rocky islands are located in the East China Sea, surrounded by profitable commercial fishing waters, as well as what each country hopes to be oil and gas reserves below the sea floor.