Strengthening Japan's Navy has become one of the important topics in recent meetings between the President of China and the United States. China's criticism of Japan's increase in defense budget and its plans to strengthen its navy has emerged at a time when the political relations between the two countries are in a sensitive state.
Japan's Defense Plans and China's Reaction
Senator Takaiuchi, the Prime Minister of Japan, experienced her first appearance as Prime Minister during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Concurrently, China strongly criticized Japan's defense plans, especially regarding the strengthening of its naval and air forces to defend its southern islands, particularly the Nansei Islands chain, which includes Miyako, Ishigaki, and Yonaguni.
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China's claim of sovereignty over these islands and security concerns arising from Japan's defense plans could pose a serious challenge to any Chinese planning for an attack on Taiwan. If long-range anti-aircraft and anti-ship missile systems are deployed on these islands, they could hinder the operations of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) to blockade Taiwan.
Political and Military Consequences
Prime Minister Takaiuchi has clearly stated that any Chinese attack on Taiwan would mean a declaration of war for Japan, and this is considered a serious threat to Japan's national security. This approach has been confirmed in this year's general elections in Japan and has contributed to weakening China's political power.
In addition to significantly expanding its navy, Japan's Defense Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, has announced that the necessary infrastructure for the permanent deployment of medium-range air defense systems (Type 03 Chu-SAM) on Yonaguni Island will be established by 2030. These systems are expected to be operationally deployed on these islands and capable of covering the eastern entrances of Taiwan.
These systems will also strengthen air defense coverage for the 12th Marine Regiment stationed in Okinawa, which, along with Japan's ground defense forces, is responsible for defending the country's remote islands. It is also expected that Japan's Type 88 coastal missile systems will be transferred to these islands, which have the capability to cover the eastern strip of Taiwan and its coastal areas.
China's diplomatic criticisms of Japan in the Chinese military newspaper have referred to China's rights over Japan as a country that has been recognized as an "enemy country" since 1945. Meanwhile, China claims that this situation allows it to take unilateral action if it feels threatened. Additionally, China has criticized Japan for supporting the protests of Filipinos against the aggressive actions of the Chinese Coast Guard in the Spratly Islands.
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