Strategic Shift: Japan Fortifies Yonaguni Amid China-Taiwan Conflict Concerns

Japan is rapidly strengthening its military presence on Yonaguni Island near Taiwan. The government plans to deploy a new missile unit and expand both the airport and port.

Yonaguni’s Strategic Location

Yonaguni, a small island in Okinawa Prefecture, sits about 108 kilometers from Taiwan’s east coast. Fewer than 2,000 people live there. Despite its small size, the island’s natural beauty attracts divers who come to see hammerhead sharks and explore the mysterious Yonaguni Monument.

Mixed Reactions from Locals

Japan has built military facilities on the island, sparking mixed reactions. Some residents welcome the security boost, while others worry about environmental damage. The forested mountains now house radar stations, and a former cattle ranch now serves as Camp Yonaguni for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. Japan and the US have also conducted joint military exercises on the island.

A New Frontline in the Taiwan Conflict

The military expansion makes Yonaguni a strategic frontline in a potential Taiwan conflict. China claims Taiwan as its territory. Fumie Kano, a local resident, expressed sadness about the changes. “As a child, I was proud of this westernmost island,” she said. “But now, we keep hearing it’s dangerous, and that makes me sad.”

A Divided Population

The military buildup has divided the population. Supporters believe the troops improve security and help the weak economy. Opponents argue the expansion damages the environment, increases reliance on the military, and raises the risk of war.

Rising Military Tensions

Yonaguni lies just 110 kilometers east of Taiwan. China has increased military activity in the region. Japan, in response, has shifted its defense strategy to the southwest. The government has increased defense spending and deployed more troops. Missile units, including PAC-3 interceptors, are already in place on Yonaguni, Ishigaki, and Miyako islands. The government plans to deploy more missiles, possibly long-range ones. Even some early supporters of the military presence now have concerns.

Economic Shifts and Military Dependence

Previously, locals and officials hoped to boost the economy with direct ferry routes to Taiwan. However, they scrapped those plans and instead accepted military presence in exchange for government subsidies and security. A 2015 referendum approved the deployment of Japanese troops. In 2016, Japan established a 160-member coast watch unit to monitor Chinese military movements. Radars now stand on Mount Inbi and other locations. Today, around 210 troops, including an electronic warfare unit, live on the island. Their families make up nearly one-fifth of Yonaguni’s population, making the local economy dependent on them.

Concerns Over Rapid Militarization

Many residents feel the militarization is happening too fast. “Everything is being done in the name of the Taiwan emergency, and many feel it’s too much,” said Kyoko Yamaguchi, a local potter. Concerns grew in October when a Japanese army Osprey aircraft crashed during joint drills with the US military. Fortunately, no one died.

Japan and China Expand Military Presence

Japan and China continue increasing their military presence. Japan’s air and naval forces in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture’s capital, play a crucial role in protecting the region. The Southwestern Air Defense Force, based in Naha, is Japan’s busiest air force. In 2023, it scrambled jets 401 times, mostly responding to Chinese aircraft.

Heightened Security Threats

China has intensified its military activity near Yonaguni and Taiwan. In August, a Chinese Y-9 reconnaissance plane briefly entered Japanese airspace near Kyushu. Japan scrambled fighter jets and issued a warning. Days later, a Chinese survey ship entered Japanese waters. In September, the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and two destroyers passed through waters near Yonaguni.

Fishermen on High Alert

Local fishermen are on high alert. They often spot foreign vessels in the area. In 2022, after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, China conducted military drills and fired several ballistic missiles. One missile landed just 80 kilometers from Yonaguni, where over 20 local fishing boats were working.

Remembering the Battle of Okinawa

The rising tensions remind many of the Battle of Okinawa. During World War II, around 200,000 people died, almost half of them civilians. Historians believe Japan sacrificed Okinawa to protect the mainland. Today, Okinawa’s main island still hosts over half of the 50,000 US troops stationed in Japan.

Calls for Stronger Defenses

Mayor Kenichi Itokazu believes strengthening Yonaguni is crucial. He has long advocated for more Japanese troops on the island to prevent history from repeating itself.