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JAPAN: A leading research institution with ties to Japan's Defence Ministry released its second China Security Report, which recommends strengthening its alliance with the United States.
Japan is concerned about China's growing assertiveness, but it is not able to match its military spending.
This is the second China Security Report produced by the Japan's National Institute for Defence Studies.
National Institute for Defence Studies senior researcher Masayuki Masuda, who was involved in the report, said Japan cannot compete with China's military buildup.
China's military spending is already double, perhaps even triple, that of Japan's.
By 2020, China will be spending six times more than Japan on defence.
He recommended Japan focus its efforts on diplomacy and strengthening its alliance with the US.
On China's participation in the fight against piracy off the coast of Somalia, Japan did not see this as a threat.
But the report noted China has been very active in the South China Sea and East China Sea.
Mr Masayuki Masuda said: "China's military and government suggest international cooperation in the far sea is not a threat.
"As to the rise of capability, combat ability in the near sea area, it will not explain. We want to evaluate based on the two. We would like to ask China to explain both points."
The report said rivalry between two competing Chinese authorities -- China Maritime Surveillance and the Fisheries Law Enforcement Command -- could explain why there are more Chinese ships in the South China Sea and East China Sea.
It said it believes China intensified its sea patrols to hinder information gathering activity by the US.
- CNA/wk
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