Japan on track to deploy missiles to island near Taiwan, Koizumi says

Japan is preparing to deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island, located about 110 kilometers from Taiwan. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized that this deployment aims to reduce the risk of armed attacks, claiming, "The deployment can help lower the chance of an armed attack on our country."

This move is part of Japan's broader military buildup in response to growing concerns about China's military presence in the region. Koizumi dismissed claims that the deployment would heighten regional tensions as inaccurate.