TOKYO - Japan has deployed long-range missiles in a southwest region near China, its defense minister confirmed Tuesday. The surface-to-ship guided missile system, with a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers, was installed in Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated the deployment is a critical initiative to strengthen Japan's deterrence and response capabilities. The system's range puts parts of the Chinese mainland, including Shanghai, within reach.
Koizumi also announced the deployment of a "hyper velocity gliding projectile" designed to defend remote islands, stationed in Shizuoka.
The move is part of Japan's steady military buildup in recent years, a shift from its traditionally strict self-defense-only posture. This expansion responds to increased military activities by China, Russia, and North Korea in the region.
Japan approved a plan to deploy missiles with counterattack capability in 2022. A defense white paper last year argued that relying solely on ballistic missile defense is insufficient against advanced threats.
Tensions with Beijing are at a recent low, exacerbated by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's November remarks hinting at possible Japanese military intervention in Taiwan. China views Taiwan as its territory.
Local media reported the missile launcher was delivered to Kumamoto without warning communities, prompting protest demonstrations.