Japan has unveiled plans to station surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni, its westernmost island situated close to Taiwan, with preparations set to be completed by March 2031, contingent on facility readiness. This move, announced by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, is expected to heighten tensions with China, particularly amid rising diplomatic frictions.
The decision comes after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments regarding Taiwan’s security that suggested Japan might deploy its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in response to a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan which could threaten Japan’s own security. In reaction, China issued a travel advisory against visits to Japan and imposed restrictions on exports to Japanese companies.
China has long regarded Taiwan as a province awaiting reunification and has not dismissed the possibility of using military force for annexation. In light of increasing Chinese military activities, Japan is refocusing its defense strategies, shifting attention from threats from Russia to those posed by China in the East China Sea.
Yonaguni, located only 100 kilometers from Taiwan, currently hosts a small SDF facility that already monitors Chinese naval operations. Local residents, numbering around 1,500, have voiced concerns about the potential militarization of their island, known for its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, such as miniature horses and hammerhead sharks. Koizumi plans a meeting with the community to address their fears directly.
Additionally, Japan is grappling with disputes involving frequent Chinese incursions in the waters surrounding the Senkaku islands, which Japan administers but which China claims. This ongoing friction underscores the escalating military posturing in the region, contributing to heightened global concern regarding stability in East Asia.
As Japan prepares to enhance its defensive capabilities, there is cautious optimism that open dialogue may help to ease local apprehensions, fostering a more secure environment in the face of regional challenges.