Japan to install missiles near Taiwan: Are China tensions set to spike?
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
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Japan is set to deploy advanced surface-to-air missile systems on Yonaguni island, located just 110 km east of Taiwan, by March 2031. This move, announced by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, is part of efforts to strengthen Japan's military capabilities and intercept aircraft and ballistic missiles. The deployment comes amid heightened tensions with China over Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory. Analysts warn that this could significantly escalate regional tensions, particularly ahead of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's upcoming visit to Washington in March 2026.
Yonaguni island, located at the southwestern edge of Japan's territory, is strategically significant due to its proximity to Taiwan. Over recent years, Tokyo has been expanding military infrastructure across the Ryukyu archipelago, including radar systems and missile batteries. The decision to deploy missiles on Yonaguni reflects a broader shift in Japan's defense strategy, signaling a harder stance toward regional security challenges. This move is seen as a calculated escalation that aligns with Prime Minister Takaichi's diplomatic agenda.
The deployment has already drawn strong reactions from China, which views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026