Japan to Deploy Surface-to-Air Missiles Near Taiwan by 2031 Amid China Tensions

• Japan plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island, 110km from Taiwan, by March 2031.
• This marks the first announced timeline for the deployment, initially revealed in 2022.
• The Yonaguni unit will feature medium-range missiles with a 50km range, capable of tracking 100 targets and engaging 12 simultaneously.
• Yonaguni has transformed into a strategic military outpost over the past decade, conducting coastal surveillance.
• The deployment comes amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions between China and Japan, exacerbated by comments on Taiwan.