Japan deploys long-range missiles to 2 bases amid China tensions, irking locals

Japan’s defence ministry said on Tuesday that long-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities have been brought into service at two Ground Self-Defence Force bases in the country.

The deployment of the missiles at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto prefecture, southwestern Japan, and Camp Fuji in Shizuoka prefecture, central Japan, marks a shift from the country’s exclusively defence-oriented policy under its war-renouncing constitution.

Japan has for the first time acquired a counterstrike capability, aiming to bolster deterrence in the wake of escalating tensions with China.

The capability enables Japan to attack enemy bases once an imminent attack is deemed likely, even before any damage occurs, but a misjudgment could result in a violation of international law, which bans pre-emptive attacks.

“This is an extremely important effort to strengthen our deterrence and response capabilities as we face the most severe and complex security environment of the post-war era,” Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters on Tuesday.

While the ministry maintains the systems are essential for strengthening deterrence amid changes in the regional security environment, residents are concerned that the deployment sites could become targets in the event of a conflict.

A vehicle carrying the first batch of Japan’s long-range missiles arrives at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto on March 9. Photo: Kyodo News via AP