Japan to deploy missiles on the Ishigaki Islands for security of Taiwan

Tokyo/Taipei/Beijing: – Japan’s Defence Minister, Nobuo Kishi, has indicated that missiles will be deployed on Ishigaki Island. About 600 troops will be deployed along with the missiles. At the same time, an electronic warfare unit will be deployed on Yonaguni Island, which was visited by Defence Minister Kishi a few months ago. Both Ishigaki and Yonaguni are close to Taiwan, and Japan’s new deployment is believed to be for Taiwan’s security.

Last month, Japan‘s Defence Ministry released a white paper outlining the country’s security challenges and defence preparedness. The issue of Taiwan’s security and stability was highlighted. In his statement, the Japanese defence ministry said that Chinese actions, which challenge Taiwanese security, are dangerous, and building stability in the region is essential for Japan’s security and international stability.’

The issue of Taiwan’s security has been raised repeatedly by the Japanese leadership in the past few months. A few months ago, it was reported that Japan had conducted an independent military exercise with the United States on Taiwan’s security. Against this background, the Japanese Minister of Defence needs to signal the deployment of Japanese missiles and advanced defence systems in areas near Taiwan. According to Japan’s Nikkei website, Ishigaki Island is about 300 kilometres from the Taiwan border. Defence Minister Kishi has said that a ‘surface-to-air guided missile system’ will be deployed on the island. Along with these missiles, 500 to 600 personnel will also be deployed and the deployment is expected to be completed by March 2023. Japanese sources said they were also considering deploying missiles launched from land targeting ships.

In addition, there are indications that an electronic warfare unit will be deployed on Yonaguni Island, just 110 kilometres from Taiwan. Defence Minister Kishi had visited the island in April. It is said that the island of Taiwan can be seen from this island with the naked eye. Japan is believed to have decided to deploy defence systems on these two islands, because of the ongoing Chinese activities, in the vicinity of Taiwan and the threat of its increasing defence deployments. According to Japanese officials, the deployment is vital for Taiwan’s security and Japan’s Senkaku Island in the East China Sea.

Japan, which has taken steps for Taiwan’s security and stability, has also made efforts at the political level. Japan’s ruling party is set to hold a ‘two-plus-two’ meeting with Taiwan’s ruling party. Sources on both sides said preliminary preparations were underway and a meeting could take place in the next few months. China has reacted sharply to the Japanese support for Taiwan.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that the issue of Taiwan is a matter of concern for Sino-Japanese political relations. Therefore, Japan should be more careful in its words and actions. They should reconsider the moves that Japan is making. When taking any action regarding Taiwan, do not mistake forgetting the atrocities showered by the Japanese regimes, against the Chinese people, throughout history. Don’t send a wrong message to groups fighting for Taiwan’s independence. Don’t even try to interfere in China’s internal affairs.’