Japan Plans Missile Deployment on Island Near Taiwan by 2031
This marks the first time Tokyo has outlined a specific timeline for the deployment since plans were first revealed in 2022. Yonaguni lies about 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Taiwan and can be seen from its shores on a clear day. China considers self-governed Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to "reunify" with it.
Relations between Japan and China have been strained since November, when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicated in parliament that Japan could activate its self-defence forces if Taiwan were attacked. Observers have long warned that any military action against Taiwan — which maintains close ties with the United States — could escalate into a broader confrontation between Washington and Beijing, potentially drawing in regional US allies such as Japan.
Takaichi’s comments contributed to a significant downturn in diplomatic ties, prompting Beijing to increase pressure through various measures, including dispatching warships, restricting rare earth exports, limiting tourism to Japan, cancelling cultural events, and even recalling its pandas.
On Tuesday, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed the planned missile deployment schedule, a day after China introduced export restrictions on 20 Japanese companies and entities, citing national security concerns.
Koizumi said the Yonaguni unit will be equipped with medium-range surface-to-air missiles capable of intercepting incoming aircraft and missiles.
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