Japan warns Taiwan tensions pose 'regional security risk'

The paper, detailing the most pressing military threats to the country, singled out to the tussle over Taiwan in more direct terms than ever before.

''Stabilizing the Taiwan situation is important for Japan's national security and stability of the international community,'' the Japanese government said. ''We need to pay close attention with a sense of crisis more than ever before.''

China considers Taiwan part of its territory, and in recent years it has ramped up diplomatic, military and economic pressure on the self-governed island. It all comes as Beijing has also exerted pressure on Hong Kong and increased its presence on the South China Sea.

"The overall military balance between China and Taiwan is tilting to China's favor, and the gap appears to be growing year by year," the Japanese document said.

Japan eyes China-US rivalry

Japan, like the US and most major nations, does not formally recognize Taiwan as a state — China does not deal with countries who do — but does engage with and support the island's leadership through nongovernmental channels.

But, as Chinese economic and military power increases, particularly at sea, questions about how long the US and its allies can prop up the rival government in Taipei have gathered volume.

The US has increased its military support for Taiwan recently, including dispatching warships to the Taiwan Strait and arms sales.

The Japanese government paper said the shifting balance between the US and China could unsettle the region.

''As China rapidly enhances its military power, changes in the military power balance between the United states and China may possibly affect the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region,'' the report said. ''It is necessary to pay greater attention to the military trends of the two countries in areas such as the South China Sea and Taiwan."

Source: ANNnewsCH