TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japan’s defense ministry warned of China’s intensifying military activities around Taiwan in its latest White Paper, released on Tuesday.  

The defense ministry said China views the Taiwan issue as an internal affair and has not renounced the use of force to seize it. The overall military balance in the Taiwan Strait is tilting in China’s favor, it added.

Beijing could engage in military intimidation or launch a blockade to annex the country, the ministry said. China could deploy its coast guard to carry out the blockade as part of its gray zone tactics.

The Chinese threat is “unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge" that Japan should respond to in partnership with like-minded nations, the defense ministry said.

Japan Defense Minister Nakatani Gen said Tokyo is in talks with Washington to strengthen deterrence and defense capabilities, such as expanding joint presence in southwestern Japan and deepening military equipment and technology cooperation. 

Nakatani said deepening defense cooperation with like-minded countries is “essential.” During visits to Indonesia and the Philippines this year, Nakatani said he discussed common regional challenges and ways to expand operational cooperation with his counterparts.