Japan to Deploy Missiles to Island Near Taiwan
The Japanese government has confirmed that it plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles to the southwestern island of Yonaguni Island, located about 110 km from Taiwan. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the project is “on track,” though he did not give a specific date for the deployment.
Strategic Location and Purpose
Yonaguni lies at the far western edge of Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, and its proximity to Taiwan and the contested East China Sea makes it a strategic outpost. The missiles are intended to bolster Japan’s self-defence capabilities amid heightened regional tensions involving China and Taiwan.
China Raises Objection
Beijing strongly criticised the deployment, calling it a “deliberate attempt to create regional tension and provoke military confrontation.” A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed concern that the move could destabilise the region further.
Unanswered Questions on Timeline and Scope
While the deployment has been announced, key details remain unclear. Japan has not specified the type of missile system to be used, the full operational timeline, or which other islands might host similar defences. Analysts warn logistics, interoperability with U.S. systems and local civilian safety all pose challenges.
