TAIPEI -- Taiwan and Japan should exchange security-related information in a systematic manner, a senior official in Taipei's main quasi-official window for bilateral relations said Thursday.

Fan Chen-kuo, deputy secretary-general of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association, spoke to reporters.

The two sides are believed to share information through back channels in the absence of formal diplomatic relations. The call for a standardized arrangement comes as China steps up military exercises in their neighborhood.

With Chinese pressure mounting, Taiwan is looking to solidify ties with Japan in other ways as well. Fan reiterated to reporters Thursday the island's interest in joining the retooled Trans-Pacific Partnership trade and investment agreement, according to the association.

Following America's decision early last year to withdraw from the Pacific Rim grouping, which excludes China, Japan has been working to bring about a deal among the 11 remaining TPP members.