Link to Article: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-criticises-japans-plan-deploy-missiles-island-near-taiwan-2025-11-24/
Yonaguni Island — only about 110 km from Taiwan — is set to receive a medium-range surface-to-air missile unit under plans by Japan Self‑Defense Forces. According to Japan’s Shinjiro Koizumi, the deployment aims to protect Japanese territory and reduce the chance of an armed attack on the island. In response, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China spokesperson Mao Ning condemned the plan, calling it a “deliberate attempt to create regional tension and provoke military confrontation.” She warned the move is “extremely dangerous” and said Japan’s “right-wing forces” are leading the region toward disaster. China views the planned deployment — especially against the backdrop of comments by Sanae Takaichi that Japan might respond militarily if China attacked Taiwan — as a violation of Japan’s post-war defense posture and a serious provocation. Meanwhile, in Taipei a deputy foreign minister, Francois Wu, said Japan — as a sovereign nation — has the right to strengthen the defenses of its territory. He argued that the missile deployment, given Yonaguni’s proximity to Taiwan, could benefit security in the Taiwan Strait, noting Japan has no territorial designs against Taiwan.
Japan’s deployment of missiles near Taiwan matters because it shows Japan’s shifting approach to international relations, becoming more aggressive after decades of isolationism. This heightens regional tensions across Japan, China, and Taiwan amidst an already tense dynamic. Historically, Taiwan’s sovereignty has been consistently debated, with China claiming Taiwan as its own. China has been amping up military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, pushing for control over the nation, so Japan’s military proximity could spark conflict with Chinese forces. Japan’s involvement near Taiwan could mean a number of things for the region, but above all, it signifies a display of power by the Japanese as they push for more leverage over China.
While each nation could respond in a number of ways, China is likely to continue condemning Japan’s military action near Taiwan as intentional turbulence, a means of destabilizing and raising tension. They may respond with similar military mobilization in the Pacific, either near Taiwan or Japan. Japan will most likely continue to defend its actions as necessary means to secure its nation. It will portray the deployment as purely defensive in an attempt to ease tensions with China. Taiwan could pursue several routes, but is likely to endorse Japan’s actions, whether publicly or not. Taiwan ultimately gains security from Japan’s nearby military presence, strengthening ties between the two.
This situation can be seen through the lens of realist theory and the security dilemma. From Japan’s perspective, their missile deployments near Taiwan were purely defensive, a rational measure to increase national security. Across the sea, China viewed this action as offensive and a threat to their own security. This exemplifies the security dilemma, with Japan strengthening defense through military means, consequently being interpreted as a threat by China. Additionally, China’s disapproval of Japan-Taiwan cooperation can be viewed as an attempt to maintain regional hegemony. Ultimately, China will view any expansion of force or power in the region as a threat to their hegemony.