China preparing for 'short war' with Japan, warns navy intel official

A senior US Navy official has revealed that China's recent military exercises are an indication that it is preparing for a short war with Japan over disputed islands in the East China Sea.

During a conference in San Diego, Navy Capt. James Fanell, director of intelligence and information operations for the U.S said the island of Taiwan was no longer Beijing's lone major target as seen in the last fall's war games.

According to the Washington Times, China claims the chain of uninhabited Senkakus islands located north of Taiwan and South of Japan's Ryuku islands as a part of its territory.

With intentions to intimidate nearby nations the Chinese coast guard and naval forces conducted a coordinated series of provocations and also imposed an air defense zone over much of the East China Sea.