China again criticized the opposition of the United States and Japan to the lifting of the European Union's weapons embargo on the country.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said Thursday that the "passive attitude" of the United States and Japan toward the Europe Union's removing of arms embargo does not conform to the interests of Sino-EU relations and at the same time it is groundless.

"China is in opposition to their groundless passive attitudes as its request of the EU to lift the arms embargo is not targeted against the United States, Japan or any other third party," Liu said at a regular press conference.

When asked to comment on a speech of a Luxembourg official who allegedly said it was very difficult for EU to lift arms embargo on China by the end of June, Liu said China has asked the Luxembourg side to clarify the relevant report.

"China hopes the EU shall make the correct decision of lifting arms embargo at an early date so as to sweep away some unnecessary hurdles to the all-round growth of Sino-EU relations," the spokesman said.