Tokyo, Feb. 24 (SANA) – Japan announced plans to deploy surface-to-air missile systems on one of its remote western islands near Taiwan, as part of efforts to strengthen its defensive posture amid rising regional tensions.
Japan’s defense minister said the missiles are set to be deployed on Yonaguni Island during the 2030 fiscal year, which runs through March 2031. Yonaguni lies close to Taiwan and is Japan’s westernmost inhabited island.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of growing friction between Japan and China over Taiwan, with Beijing opposing any military buildup near the island. Earlier on Tuesday, China imposed export restrictions on dozens of Japanese companies linked to defense and military capabilities.
