Beijing Condemns Japan's "Extremely Dangerous" Missile Deployment Near Taiwan
Tensions in East Asia have flared as Beijing vehemently denounced Japan's recent missile deployment on Yonaguni Island, labeling the move "extremely dangerous." This strategic island, situated a mere 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Taiwan, has become a flashpoint amid already strained relations between China and Japan, sparking fears of escalating regional military confrontation.
Strategic Deployment on Yonaguni
Japan's defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, confirmed during an inspection on Saturday that preparations for positioning medium-range, surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni were "progressing steadily." According to a Japanese defence ministry statement released Sunday, Koizumi asserted that this deployment aims to "reduce the likelihood of any armed attack on Japan itself," emphasizing a defensive posture.
Geopolitical Significance and Regional Tensions
Yonaguni, part of a crucial archipelago, holds significant geopolitical importance due to its unparalleled proximity to Taiwan – making it Japan's closest point to the island. Home to approximately 1,700 residents and hosting a key Self-Defence Forces base, the island is geographically distant from Japan's capital, Tokyo, lying 2,000 kilometers away. Over recent years, Japan has consistently bolstered its military presence on Yonaguni, primarily citing growing concerns over Beijing's increasing assertiveness across the Indo-Pacific region. This latest development is poised to further exacerbate military confrontation and deepen regional anxieties, underscoring the deteriorating ties between the two Asian powers.