Japan boosts defenses near Taiwan, eyes missile deployment by 2031

International

AMID rising tensions between China and Taiwan, Japan has strengthened its defensive posture as it plans to deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles to the remote western island of Yonaguni by March 2031,Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced on Tuesday.

The announcement came a day after China imposed export restrictions on 20 Japanese companies, citing national security concerns.

Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost island, is located just 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Taiwan’s shores and is visible on a clear day. While the missile deployment was first announced in 2022, this is the first time Japan has provided a specific timeline for its implementation.

In a report by BBC, The missile system will have 360-degree coverage, can track up to 100 targets simultaneously, and engage up to 12 at once. The system is also capable of intercepting aircraft and incoming missiles within a 50-kilometer range.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently secured a decisive victory in parliamentary elections, giving her stronger political backing to further enhance Japan’s defense capabilities.

The move comes amid growing tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan. China claims Taiwan, a self-governed island, as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.

In November, Takaichi suggested that Japan could activate its Self-Defense Forces if Taiwan were attacked, a statement that further strained relations between Tokyo and Beijing. Taiwan counts the United States as a key security partner, and any conflict involving Taiwan could potentially draw in other U.S. allies in the region, including Japan.

China has not yet responded to Koizumi’s latest announcement. However, during Koizumi’s visit to Yonaguni in November, Beijing accused Japan of creating regional tension and provoking military confrontation.

Shortly afterward, China flew drones near the island, prompting Japan to scramble fighter jets in response.

The missile deployment on Yonaguni is viewed as more than a routine military adjustment. It signals a more assertive Japan and underscores the island’s strategic importance as a potential front line in regional security.

Over the past decade, Yonaguni has been transformed into a military outpost, currently hosting around 160 members of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces responsible for coastal surveillance.

An electronic warfare unit capable of disrupting enemy communications and radar systems is also scheduled to be established on the island in fiscal year 2026.

While the missile deployment is planned for fiscal year 2030, Koizumi noted that the timeline could change depending on the progress of facility improvements.(Iah Jennil Mirarza, BiPSU Comm Intern)