Japan will establish a new unified command to manage the operations of its land, sea and air forces as part of a major defense overhaul in the face of China's growing assertiveness toward Taiwan, the Nikkei newspaper reported.

The government aims to have the unified command operational by 2024. It will be tasked with coordinating strategies and strengthening Japan's defense cooperation with the U.S. military.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government is increasing military spending in response to China's growing power and geopolitical uncertainty over North Korea's missile developments.

The joint command will be overseen by a joint commander, a newly created position that will report directly to Japan's defense minister.