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International relations

Japan defense minister warns of Crimea-style invasion of Taiwan

In veiled reference to China, Kishi says wars can begin without troops

Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi speaks via video during the 18th CSIS/Nikkei Symposium on Oct 22. (Screenshot)

TOKYO -- In a veiled reference to China's recent aggressive moves on Taiwan, Japan's defense minister pointed to Russia's annexation of Crimea as an example of how an invasion can begin without deploying troops.

Russia's act was an "illegal annexation of Crimea," Nobuo Kishi said on Friday in a video message to the 18th CSIS/Nikkei Symposium. "An invasion may begin without anyone realizing it, and a war may be fought without the use of military forces."

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