Japan's defense ministry is recommending that the capability of the military be strengthened to deter increasing threats from China and North Korea.
A defense paper released Friday said Japan should increase its surveillance capability and consider using drones or unmanned surveillance vehicles that would be operational at all times to monitor activities in the Pacific.
The paper also called for the creation of an amphibious marine force to defend disputed islands in the East China Sea, including the ability to attack foreign bases.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government will use the report as a basis for national guidelines scheduled to be compiled by the end of the year.