Japan has announced plans to deploy a surface-to-air missile system on its remote western island of Yonaguni Island (often spelled Yonaguni), located about 110 kilometres from Taiwan, amid rising regional tensions.
The deployment is scheduled to be completed by March 2031.
Missile Capabilities
According to Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the domestically produced missile system will have a range of approximately 50 kilometres and full 360-degree coverage. It is designed to intercept incoming aircraft and missiles and can reportedly track up to 100 targets simultaneously.
The plan was first announced in 2022 as part of Japan’s broader effort to strengthen its southwestern island defences.
Rising Regional Tensions
The move comes against the backdrop of increasing tensions between Japan and China, particularly over Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under mainland control.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently stated that Japan could activate its Self-Defence Forces in response to any Chinese military action against Taiwan — remarks that have drawn criticism from Beijing.
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Meanwhile, US intelligence assessments have suggested that Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed the military to be prepared for a potential operation against Taiwan by 2027, though Beijing has not publicly confirmed such a directive.
Strained Tokyo–Beijing Relations
Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have deteriorated in recent months. China has reportedly imposed restrictions on rare earth exports to Japan, increased naval activity in surrounding waters, and scaled back cultural exchanges, including recalling giant pandas previously sent to Japan as part of its “panda diplomacy.”
Japan’s planned missile deployment reflects its broader strategic shift toward bolstering deterrence capabilities in the face of evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
