According to a report by the Japanese Kyodo News last week, the U.S. military plans to deploy the Typhon medium-range missile system in southwestern Japan next month, as part of joint military exercises between the U.S. and Japan. Military analysts from China have warned that if this system is deployed in southern Japan, it could directly threaten coastal cities in China. Additionally, it could create barriers to prevent Chinese naval forces from accessing important routes in the Western Pacific.
According to a report by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post on May 26, military analysis expert Fu Qianchao stated that the deployment location mentioned in this report is at the Kagoshima Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture. This point should be particularly alarming, as the base is located relatively close to mainland China.
This deployment location is relatively close to the Chinese mainland. If cruise missiles with certain firing capabilities are deployed here, they will pose a threat to relevant Chinese targets (ground-based). he said.
Hong Kong media warn that if the US deploys the Thaad missile system in Japan, Chinas coastal areas will be within the operational range of Tomahawk cruise missiles. These missiles can be launched through the Thaad missile system, with a estimated range of about 1,600 kilometers.
However, Fu Qianshao also pointed out that the Javelin missile has obvious weaknesses. Its biggest problem is its slow flight speed. As a subsonic cruise missile, it is more susceptible to being intercepted by advanced air defense systems. Additionally, compared to the HIMARS, the mobility of the Typhoon medium-range missile is also limited.
Once its deployment location is discovered, it will likely become a target for attack. said Fu Qianshao.
September 15, 2025: The United States displays the Typhoon intermediate-range missile system at its Fort Greely base. Reuters
According to reports, the Kagoshima Air Base is located on Kyushu Island, facing the East China Sea. Compared to most Japanese military bases, it is closer to China. In addition to the Tomahawk missiles, the Typhoon medium-range missile system can also launch SM-6 interceptor missiles, with a range of over 300 kilometers.
Fu Qianshao pointed out that this system can be used to target ships at sea. Its purpose is to restrict the Chinese navys military capabilities and prevent them from breaking through the First Island Chain into the Western Pacific Ocean.
He stated that deploying this system in Kagoshima means it can help to block the Miyako Strait, a crucial waterway connecting Miyako Island and Okinawa Island.
Fu Qianshao said, Its obvious that their intention is to use this deployment method as a means to attack our land-based targets, while also blocking important maritime routes in case of conflict.
In 2024, the United States deployed the Typhoon intermediate-range missile system in northern Philippines. This move immediately sparked strong criticism from China, which demanded that the system be immediately removed from the region.
This month, the U.S. Army conducted a joint exercise with the Philippines. During this exercise, a Tomahawk cruise missile was launched using the Typhoon intermediate missile system. This is the first actual combat exercise conducted using this system since its deployment in that region.
Fu Qianshao said, When these missiles were deployed in the Philippines, their purpose was the same: to block the relevant straits and prevent our military ships from breaking through into the Western Pacific.
The South China Morning Post pointed out that this deployment in Japan may further exacerbate the already tense relations between China and Japan. Last year, due to the wrong statements made by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Koumako shortly after taking office, relations between China and Japan deteriorated.
In recent years, the United States has strengthened its military deployments along the so-called First Island Chain. This upcoming deployment will mark the second time that the U.S. has deployed the Typhoon intermediate-range missile system in Japan.
In September last year, as part of the large-scale combat training program Resolute Dragon between Japan and the United States, Japan deployed the Teshibo intermediate missile system for the first time in its domestic context. This move immediately led to opposition and criticism from China and Russia.
According to information from Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, the Japanese Defense Ministry stated that it would withdraw its troops about one week after the training period ended on September 25th of that year. However, Iwakuni City later reported that no such withdrawal was reported, and the Teshibou remains in its deployed state.
As of November 17 last year, the Japanese Defense Ministry informed Iwako City in Yamaguchi Prefecture that the Tesla medium-range missile launcher deployed at the U.S. military base in Iwako had been removed from its location.
According to reports cited by the Japanese Kyodo News, the Tesung intermediate missile system will be deployed at the Kagoshima Air Base during the Valiant Shield and Orient Shield joint exercises between June and September. This deployment will take place alongside the HMMWAR high-mobility multiple rocket launcher system.
According to sources, after the exercise, the Typhoon medium-range missile system will be transferred to a US military base in Japan for storage.
Regarding the relevant developments, Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized on May 22 that China firmly opposes the United States deployment of medium-range missile systems in Asian countries. China has also expressed its concerns regarding these issues on multiple occasions. The Thaad medium-range missile system is a strategic offensive weapon that undermines the legitimate security interests of other countries and poses a threat to regional strategic security. It also increases the risk of military confrontation and arms race. Such developments are completely detrimental to regional peace and stability.
Guo Jiaqun stated that for a long time, there have been persistent objections from many Asian nations, including Japan. The Chinese side urges the US and Japanese sides to take into account the voices of regional countries, correct their wrong practices, and play a positive role in maintaining peace and stability in the region through practical actions.
Guo Jiaqun pointed out that this action is another evidence of Japans accelerated re-militarization. Various signs indicate that Japanese right-wing forces are seeking to completely restructure their military capabilities, in preparation for what they call long-term warfare. Essentially, this means undermining Japans constitution, international laws, and domestic regulations. It challenges the post-war international order, and goes against Japans self-proclaimed image of being a peaceful country.
Japans new form of militarism is becoming a threat, and it could once again become a source of instability in the region. The international community must take history as a warning, remain highly vigilant, and work together to contain this situation. said Guo Jiakun.
