Japan builds military base in East China Sea to deter China
Tokyo plans to station troops on a remote island in the south of the country to counter threats from Beijing.
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Japan's rapid deployment amphibious brigade during a drill in May. Photo:Reuters. |
The Japanese military will begin construction of a military base on Ishigaki Island, part of the southern Okinawa archipelago, later this year,Sankei ShimbunOctober 29, citing military sources.
After completing the construction of the base, the Japanese government plans to deploy a military unit along with anti-ship missiles and air defense missiles on the island to counter China's military activities in the East China Sea.
The closest Japanese military base to the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea is currently on Okinawa Island, about 440 km from the disputed islands with China.
Relations between the two countries became tense after Japan decided to nationalize the islands in 2012. Chinese warships and aircraft have recently repeatedly entered the area around the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, demonstrating their military presence in the area, despite Japan's objections.
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Location of Ishigaki Island. Graphics:Atlas. |
