Japan has announced it will deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island, located just 110 km from Taiwan, in response to mounting pressure from China.
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the deployment is intended to reduce the likelihood of an armed attack on Japan.
The move comes amid severe diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, after Tokyo refused to bow to Chinese pressure over Taiwan.
China criticised the decision, calling it “extremely dangerous” and accusing Japan of provoking confrontation.
The deployment marks a shift in Japan’s security posture as it seeks stronger deterrence capabilities in the Taiwan Strait region and tighter alignment with U.S. defence policy.
