TOKYO: Japan has stationed long-range missiles in its southwestern region close to China, a move aimed at strengthening its defense posture as relations between the two nations continue to deteriorate.
According to Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the missile systems have been deployed in Kumamoto, located on the island of Kyushu. The deployment is part of Tokyo’s broader effort to enhance its military readiness in response to increasing Chinese naval activity in the East China Sea.
Koizumi stated that the newly deployed “standoff defense capabilities” would allow Japan to counter potential invasion threats while minimizing risks to its personnel, calling the initiative “crucial” for boosting deterrence.
The surface-to-ship missile system reportedly has a range of about 1,000 kilometers, placing parts of China’s eastern coastline including Shanghai within reach.
In addition, Japan has deployed an advanced “hyper-velocity gliding projectile” in Shizuoka, designed to protect remote islands and enhance rapid-response capabilities.
Growing Regional Frictions
The move comes as China continues to expand its military presence and assert its claims in disputed territories, including the Senkaku Islands (known as Diaoyu in China), which remain a major source of tension between the two countries.
Relations have further strained following remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting Japan could intervene in the event of a conflict involving Taiwan a territory Beijing considers part of its own.
Domestic Concerns
While the government frames the deployment as defensive, critics warn it could make the region a potential target. Reports indicate that missile launchers were transported to Kumamoto earlier this month without prior notice to local residents, sparking protests near a military base.
Despite the shift, Japan maintains that its military doctrine remains rooted in self-defense, even as it adapts to an increasingly volatile regional security environment.
