Beijing says it wants a peaceful unification but refuses to rule out force, prompting Taiwan to ramp up defenses and fortify alliances with the democratic leaders around the world.
Speaking to the Japan Times in Taipei, retired Adm. Lee Hsi-min called for called for a pivot in the island's approach to warfare, as well as its related purchases.
Lai Ching-te, who will be the ruling party's candidate in next year's presidential elections, has said that Taiwan and Japan need to establish a military dialogue mechanism.