According to a report by the Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK), the Japanese Defense Ministry began transporting missile launch devices and other equipment to Minamitōjima in the Ogasawara Islands of Tokyo on the 8th. This is to prepare for the construction of a local missile range and future live training exercises.
Reports claim that this action is part of Japan’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities on the Pacific side.
On the morning of the 8th, the Japanese Ministry of Defense transported equipment such as the Land Self-Defense Forces’ ‘Type 12 Shore-to-Ship Missile’ launcher and medium-sized unmanned reconnaissance vehicles from a port in Chiba Prefecture to Minamidōshima via ferry.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense plans to establish a firing range for weapons such as the "Type 12 Shore-to-Ship Missile" on Nantou Island, and intends to conduct live-fire training there starting from 2027.
Nantou Island is located 1848 kilometers from Tokyo and is the easternmost island in Japan. There are no permanent residents on this island.
Japanese media reports that this will be the first time Japan has deployed shore-to-ship missiles from the Land Self-Defense Forces to Minamitoro Island, the easternmost island. This move is considered likely to exacerbate regional tensions, causing widespread concern and criticism.
Recently, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, stated during a regular press conference that in recent years, the Japanese government has continuously increased military spending, relaxed restrictions on the export of lethal weapons, frequently participated in military exercises, advanced the deployment of long-range missiles, developed so-called "counterattack capabilities" capable of proactive attacks, stockpiled large amounts of sensitive nuclear materials, pushed for amendments to the peace constitution, and advocated becoming a "combat-ready" nation, constantly breaking international laws and domestic regulations.
