Japan plans to deploy long-range missiles in Kyushu to enhance security against North Korea and China. This development is influenced by U.S. President Trump’s stance on defense treaties and rising regional tensions. The missiles, capable of targeting both adversaries, are part of Japan’s defense strategy amid discussions on alliance commitments and military policy adjustments.

Japan is poised to deploy long-range missiles on its southern island of Kyushu, addressing security concerns stemming from the Trump administration’s policies and regional tensions. These missiles, which possess a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers, would target locations in North Korea and China’s coastal regions and are anticipated to be operational next year at two existing missile bases. This initiative aims to strengthen defenses in the strategically significant Okinawa island chain and forms part of Japan’s strategy to develop counterstrike capabilities should it come under attack, as reported by Kyodo News agency.

Although the deployment of these missiles on the Okinawa islands, located only 110 kilometers from Taiwan, is considered unlikely due to the risk of provoking China, existing missile batteries already cover shorter ranges. Professor Yoichi Shimada from Fukui Prefectural University emphasized the natural progression toward acquiring advanced weapon systems to counter increasing threats from China and North Korea, advocating for immediate measures like the deployment of longer-range missiles to enhance Japan’s security posture.

On March 6, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concerns regarding the nonreciprocal nature of the Japan-U.S. security treaty, stating, “We have a great relationship with Japan, but we have an interesting deal with Japan that we have to protect them, but they don’t have to protect us.” He questioned the fairness of the deal and highlighted Japan’s economic gains from their alliance.

The treaty, originally signed in 1951 during Japan’s occupation by U.S. forces, restricts Japan’s military action due to the pacifist article 9 of its constitution. Shimada believes that enhancing Japan’s missile systems will strengthen U.S.-Japan relations and argues that the Trump administration’s demands for reciprocity in defense agreements are not entirely unreasonable. In contrast, Robert Dujarric from Temple University raised concerns about the U.S. commitment to longstanding treaties, suggesting, “It is clear to anyone watching this carefully that the US-Japan alliance is in bad shape.”

Dujarric pointed out that in the event of a Chinese attack on Japan, there is no guarantee that the U.S. would intervene, underscoring a significant concern. Two bases, Camp Yufuin in Oita and Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, have been identified for potential missile deployment and are currently equipped with missile batteries. Reports indicate that these new systems may be enhanced versions of the GSDF’s Type-12 land-to-ship guided missiles.

Dujarric highlighted that this development represents a gradual enhancement of Japan’s military capabilities and advocates for a reevaluation of Japan’s security policies given the changing geopolitical climate. He suggested that if Japan perceives a diminished reliance on U.S. military support, it could prompt discussions regarding the acquisition of nuclear weapons, a topic previously considered taboo since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

In summary, Japan’s impending deployment of long-range missiles in response to regional threats reflects a significant shift in its defense strategy amidst concerns regarding U.S. commitments under the current administration. The potential upgrade of Japan’s military capacity may fortify its defenses against North Korea and China, illuminating the need for a reassessment of its security policies. Increasingly, Japan’s geopolitical landscape requires proactive measures to ensure national security and strengthen alliances with allies.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com

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