Japan to Deploy Missile Systems on Yonaguni Island Near Taiwan by 2031

Japan plans to deploy surface-to-air missile systems on Yonaguni Island near Taiwan by March 2031, marking the first specified timeline for this defense upgrade. The island already hosts a Japanese military base. This move occurs amid heightened tensions with China, which has imposed export restrictions on Japanese firms and criticized Japan's military posture. Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has suggested possible military intervention if Taiwan is attacked, prompting diplomatic friction and economic impacts such as reduced Chinese tourism to Japan.