China condemns planned Japanese missile deployment near Taiwan

Monday 24 November 2025 - 12:30

By: Sahili Aya

China condemns planned Japanese missile deployment near Taiwan

China has labeled Japan’s planned deployment of surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni, the Japanese island closest to Taiwan, as “dangerous,” amid rising regional tensions. The announcement follows statements by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi indicating that the missile project is “progressing well.”

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, criticized the deployment, asserting that it is intended to deliberately create regional tensions and provoke military confrontation. She described the remarks of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential military operations near Taiwan as “extremely dangerous.”

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has warned Japan against interfering in the region. “China is determined and capable of defending its national sovereignty,” Mao said, emphasizing that the country will never allow external forces to influence Taiwan or resurrect Japanese militarism.

Meanwhile, Taiwan has defended Japan’s military plans. Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung told legislators that Japan has the right to safeguard its own territory. He noted that Yonaguni is strategically close to Taiwan, and strengthening Japanese military facilities there serves Japan’s national interests without threatening Taiwanese sovereignty.

Yonaguni has hosted a Japan Self-Defense Forces base since 2016, and Tokyo intends to install medium-range surface-to-air missiles to protect the island against potential missile or aerial attacks.