Japan to deploy missiles on island near Taiwan by 2031

Japan is set to place surface-to-air missiles on its remote western island, Yonaguni, close to Taiwan by March 2031, according to its defense minister. This announcement marks the first time Japan has provided a specific timeline for the missile installation since it was first revealed in 2022. China views Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring it under its control. Yonaguni can be seen from Taiwan on clear days and is located just 110 kilometers (68 miles) away. Tensions between Japan and China have escalated since November, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hinted that Japan might activate its self-defense forces if Taiwan were attacked. There are concerns that an attack on Taiwan, which has the support of the US, could lead to a direct military conflict between Washington and Beijing, potentially involving other US allies like Japan. Takaichi’s comments have strained relations with China, pushing them to their lowest point in years. In response, Beijing has increased pressure through various means, such as deploying warships, limiting rare earth exports, reducing Chinese tourism, canceling concerts, and even reclaiming its pandas. On Tuesday, Japanese defense minister Shinjiro Koizumi detailed the timeline for the missile deployment, just a day after China imposed export restrictions on 20 Japanese companies and organizations due to national security issues. Koizumi stated that the Yonaguni missile unit will use medium-range surface-to-air missiles designed to intercept aircraft and other missiles. These missiles have a range of about 50 kilometers and can track up to 100 targets at the same time, while engaging 12 targets simultaneously.