China mulling revamping military regions amid territorial dispute with Japan

China is considering reorganizing its seven military regions into five in a move to respond more swiftly to a crisis.

Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the move from China comes amid rising tensions over territorial disputes in the region.

According to the Japan Times, each of the new military regions will create a joint operations command that controls the army, navy and air force.

Under the proposed military structure China aims to strengthen its attack capability to secure air and naval superiority in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, the report said.

The daily quoted one official as saying that the move is a proactive measure with eyes on counteracting the Japan-U.S. alliance.

Tokyo and Beijing are involved in a simmering territorial row over Tokyo-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which China also claims and calls the Diaoyus.

The United States, while insisting it does not take sides on sovereignty disputes, has said that the islands are under Tokyo's management.