Japan is growing wary over the increasingly hard-line policies of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who on Sunday began an unprecedented third term in office.
Tokyo is expected to probe the possibility of holding bilateral summit talks by the two countries' leaders to ease tensions, while simultaneously strengthening deterrence against Beijing's aggressive behavior.
Xi has consolidated the Communist Party's top leadership with close allies and right-hand men, heightening concerns over a possible Taiwan contingency. Some Japanese government officials voiced fears that Xi -- having cemented his power base -- might press ahead immediately with efforts to unify Taiwan and China.
