Japan has started to deploy new anti-ship missiles on its southern islands as part of its defense strategy against perceived threats from China and North Korea. The Japanese Defense Ministry has begun transporting heavy artillery to a military base on Kyushu, with the shipment facilitating the launch of extended-range anti-ship missiles. This modernization effort involves upgrading the Type 12 ground-to-sea missiles, increasing their range to approximately 1,000 kilometers, allowing them to target both naval vessels and land targets along the Chinese coast and nearly all of North Korea.

The plans to station these domestically developed missiles are set to be completed by March 31, further strengthening Japan's so-called "counterattack capability," which is intended to enhance its defensive posture in the region. The deployment is viewed by Japan as a necessary step in countering the growing military assertiveness of China, as well as the ongoing threats posed by North Korean missile tests. However, this military buildup is meeting with local resistance, as many residents express concerns about increasing tensions in the region.

China has reacted to Japan’s military expansion with accusations of remilitarization, reflecting deepening geopolitical rifts in East Asia. The move underscores a broader shift in Japan's defense strategy, moving away from its post-World War II pacifism and focusing more on proactive defense measures. As Japan seeks to bolster its defenses, its relationships within the region, particularly with its neighbors, may be further tested, raising questions about the balance of power in East Asia and potential escalations in military posturing.