"Japan's decision represents a calculated escalation that will increase regional tensions, said Einar Tangen, senior fellow on geopolitics at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). These actions are not occurring in a vacuum. [The] actions are timed to strengthen Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's hand ahead of a visit to Washington, scheduled for March 19, 2026."
"Japanese defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the surface-to-air systems designed to intercept aircraft and ballistic missiles will be deployed to Yonaguni island, located about 110km (68 miles) east of Taiwan, which is claimed by China as its sovereign territory, by March 2031."
"Over recent years, Tokyo has expanded military infrastructure across the archipelago, installing radar systems, ammunition depots and missile batteries. While Japan first announced plans in 2022 to enhance Yonaguni's defences, this marks the first time officials have committed to a specific deployment deadline."
Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced plans to deploy surface-to-air missile systems on Yonaguni island, located approximately 110 kilometers east of Taiwan, by fiscal year 2030. The deployment represents a deliberate hardening of Japan's military posture in the region. Analysts characterize this move as a calculated escalation that will increase regional tensions, particularly given the timing ahead of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's March 2026 visit to Washington. Japan has progressively expanded military infrastructure across the Ryukyu island chain in recent years, installing radar systems, ammunition depots, and missile batteries. While initial defense enhancement plans for Yonaguni were announced in 2022, this announcement marks the first commitment to a specific deployment deadline, signaling Japan's strengthened stance amid strained Tokyo-Beijing relations.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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