Japan's annual defense review expresses "deep concern" over what it sees as China's coercion as a more assertive Beijing flouts international rules when dealing with other nations.
The white paper, released Tuesday and titled Defense of Japan 2016, comes amid heightened tension in Asia.
The report, approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration, warns that "unintended consequences" could result from Beijing's assertive disregard of international rules.