Japan Says "Sense of Crisis" Needed Over Taiwan

In its annual white paper -- a rundown of the most pressing military threats to the country -- Japan's defence ministry referred to the tussle over Taiwan in more direct terms than ever before.

Japan on Tuesday said US-China tensions over Taiwan are an increasingly urgent issue that threatens regional stability, as the balance of power in Asia shifts between the rival countries. In its annual white paper -- a rundown of the most pressing military threats to the country -- Japan's defence ministry referred to the tussle over Taiwan in more direct terms than ever before. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has ramped up diplomatic, military and economic pressure on the self-governed island in recent years. The United States has reacted to Beijing's pressure campaign with testy words and hardline policies -- prompting its ally Japan, which has key trade relationships with both world powers, to eye the situation with caution.