Question

Japan announced plans to deploy missiles on Ishigaki Island, southwest of Ryukyu! It is only about 200 kilometers from Taiwan and 170 kilometers from the Diaoyu Islands. Taiwan's television and radio broadcasts can be heard on Ishigaki Island, where Japan wants to deploy anti-ship missiles and surface-to-air missiles, apparently in preparation for a future military conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Located more than 2,000 kilometers from Tokyo, Ishigaki Island is not exactly popular in Japan. But because of its proximity to China, Ishigaki Island can listen to radio broadcasts from Taiwan Province and even receive clear radio signals from Fujian province. So in recent years, the United States and Japan began to pay attention to this "small island." The decision to deploy missiles on Ishigaki Island is more damaging to China, and Japan's move is actively in line with the United States' Asia-Pacific strategy. The shore-based anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles deployed by Japan on Ishigaki Island contribute to the forward deployment posture and military deterrence of the US military in the Indo-Pacific region. As a "goalkeeper", Japan plays a vital role in the first island chain of the United States in the Asia-Pacific.

Answer 1

Yes, to me, Japan's decision to deploy missiles on Ishigaki Island is a significant development in the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

The island's strategic location, close to Taiwan and the Diaoyu Islands, makes it a crucial point of control in the event of a conflict. The deployment of missiles, which could target both naval and aerial threats, would significantly enhance Japan's defensive capabilities in the region.

Note that China has strongly opposed Japan's military buildup in the Ryukyu Islands, which it considers to be a violation of its sovereignty. The deployment of missiles on Ishigaki Island is likely to further strain relations between the two countries.