Japan plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island by 2031, in response to China's military ambitions in the region.

Japan has announced that it intends to deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island, located 110 kilometers east of Taiwan, by the year 2031. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi specified that the project will be implemented over a 12-month period that will conclude in March 2031.

This decision comes in the context of rising tensions with China, which has adopted economic and political measures against Japan in response to comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding a possible military intervention in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

The Japanese Prime Minister also announced measures against 40 Japanese companies accused of involvement in the country's "remilitarization." Takaichi accused China of attempting to change the status quo by force, while expressing a desire to establish constructive relations with Beijing.