Japan will deploy surface-to-air missiles to Yonaguni, its westernmost island, by March 2031, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced. The missiles, capable of shooting down aircraft and ballistic missiles, are part of Japan's strategy to bolster defences on remote western islands amid rising tensions with China over Taiwan.
Koizumi provided the deployment schedule for the first time, stating it depends on facility preparations. The move comes after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger Japanese self-defence forces involvement if it posed an existential threat. China responded by urging citizens not to travel to Japan and imposing export restrictions.
Yonaguni, located 100km from Taiwan, already hosts a Self-Defence Force (SDF) base. In 2015, residents voted in favour of the base by 632 to 445. However, many locals fear the island is being militarised. About 160 SDF personnel monitor Chinese naval movements via radar on a mountain peak.
Koizumi said the ministry will brief Yonaguni's 1,500 residents next week. Plans also include stationing an electronic warfare unit on the island next fiscal year. Japan and China are also in a dispute over the Senkaku islands, administered by Japan but claimed by China.
