Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government plans to speed up defense enhancements in Japan's Nansei Islands region, driven by China's increasing military presence. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited key islands in Okinawa about a month after taking office, highlighting progress on missile deployments. The efforts aim to bolster readiness against potential Taiwan contingencies.
The government under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi intends to hasten efforts to bolster defense in Japan's strategically vital Nansei Islands, encompassing the Sakishima Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. This push comes amid China's escalating military maneuvers around the island chain, including drills simulating a Taiwan invasion. Tokyo views these as responses to Beijing's expanding military might and risks of conflict over Taiwan.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi conducted his first visit to the area on November 23 and 24, roughly a month after assuming office. On Saturday, he inspected Self-Defense Forces bases and Japan Coast Guard facilities in Miyakojima and Ishigaki cities. Sunday's itinerary included Yonaguni Island, Japan's westernmost point. At the Yonaguni base, Koizumi told reporters, 'The deployment can help lower the chance of an armed attack on our country. The view that it will heighten regional tensions is not accurate,' affirming that plans to station medium-range surface-to-air missiles there—about 110 kilometers east of Taiwan—are proceeding as part of a wider southern islands buildup.
In a meeting with Miyakojima Mayor Noboru Kakazu, Koizumi stated, 'It’s important to strengthen the SDF’s defense capabilities to protect the lives and the peaceful livelihoods of the people. I believe the understanding and cooperation of those in the city are essential.' Kakazu replied, 'The most important thing will be to carefully explain the SDF’s activities to the residents.' On resident evacuation in a Taiwan contingency, the mayor added, 'Residents are anxious and have concerns. We think it will be necessary to discuss a variety of issues in detail.'
The government and ruling parties will deliberate specific measures to revise three security documents ahead of schedule, per the 2022 National Security Strategy. Discussions include runway extensions, port expansions, and emergency shelters. A March plan outlines evacuating Sakishima residents to seven Kyushu and Yamaguchi prefectures, with Naha Airport and Ishigaki Port available to the SDF and Coast Guard even in peacetime. In Ishigaki, Koizumi remarked, 'In the event of a contingency, it will be vital to quickly evacuate residents well in advance of an armed attack against our country. We would like to provide the necessary assistance, so that temporary evacuation facilities can steadily be set up.'
These initiatives position the Nansei Islands as Japan's frontline in a potential Taiwan crisis, underscoring East Asian tensions.
