"Reduces the Risk of Japan Being Attacked...
Does Not Increase Regional Tensions"
As tensions between China and Japan have risen following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about possible intervention in the event of a Taiwan contingency, Japanese Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi has announced plans to deploy missile forces to the westernmost Japan Ground Self-Defense Force base, which is the closest Japanese territory to Taiwan.
According to Bloomberg and other sources on the 23rd (local time), Minister Koizumi inspected Yonaguni Island in Okinawa Prefecture that day. Yonaguni Island, located about 110 kilometers from Taiwan, is an area where the Japanese government is strengthening its defense capabilities with a potential Taiwan contingency in mind. In 2026, an anti-air electronic warfare unit that can jam enemy aircraft radars is scheduled to be deployed, and in the future, a missile unit will be established to deploy medium-range surface-to-air guided missiles. Regarding this, Minister Koizumi stated, "The deployment of missiles can reduce the risk of Japan being attacked. The claim that it increases regional tensions is not true," adding, "While there are various opinions on Yonaguni Island, we will continue to listen to the voices of island residents and provide explanations and appropriate information."
Minister Koizumi also emphasized, "Strengthening Japan's defense system, including in the Nansei region, is a very important task." The Nansei region refers to the islands and surrounding waters stretching from southern Kyushu to the area near Taiwan. In this context, Minister Koizumi visited the Japan Self-Defense Force base on Ishigaki Island, which serves as a missile hub close to Taiwan, the day before his inspection in Okinawa Prefecture. Ishigaki Island is a key area where the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military conduct joint training. It is also an important base for naval operations, as it is related to U.S. Navy vessel missions.
Bloomberg reported that the U.S. military recently conducted exercises to transport military supplies from Okinawa to Yonaguni Island in preparation for a possible crisis in the region, interpreting this as a test to see whether Yonaguni Island could be used as a forward base. Regarding cooperation with the U.S. military, Minister Koizumi stated, "Japan is currently facing the most serious and complex security situation since World War II," and added, "To protect the peace of the Japanese people, Japan must strengthen its own military capabilities and deepen cooperation with the United States."
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