U.S.(Washington Insider Magazine) – A new U.S. military plan to deploy advanced missile systems on Japanese islands near Taiwan is fueling tensions with China and its ally Russia. The U.S. and Japan are preparing to station High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) on Japan’s Nansei Islands, just 200 kilometers from Taiwan, according to a report by Kyodo News.
This plan, expected to be finalized by December 2024, marks the first joint military operation between the U.S. and Japan focused on preparing for a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.
Strategic Location and Objectives
The Nansei Islands, which include Okinawa, are home to a significant U.S. military presence. The HIMARS systems will be used to defend Taiwan in the event of Chinese aggression. The deployment will involve a U.S. Marine Corps regiment with HIMARS and the establishment of temporary bases on the islands. The Japan Self-Defense Forces will provide logistical support, such as fuel and ammunition.
China swiftly condemned the plan, with a foreign ministry spokesperson warning against the use of Taiwan as a pretext for escalating military presence in the region. Russia echoed similar concerns, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warning of “necessary and proportionate steps” to strengthen Russia’s defense.
Tensions Between the U.S., China, and Russia
The U.S.-Japan missile deployment plan comes amid growing military tensions in the region. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted China’s support for Russia’s defense industry, which is aiding Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. This support adds to the complexity of U.S.-China relations, especially with Russia also opposing U.S. missile deployments in Asia.
Despite the concerns from China and Russia, experts argue that the primary purpose of deploying HIMARS is to counter Chinese naval threats. Michael O’Hanlon, a senior fellow at Brookings Institution, noted that HIMARS would provide essential anti-ship capabilities to protect Taiwan from potential Chinese naval assaults.
Deterrence Against Chinese Naval Power
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has the world’s largest naval fleet, and the U.S. aims to deter any advances toward Taiwan. Analysts like Timothy Heath of RAND Corporation suggest that the HIMARS systems could target Chinese amphibious landing ships, naval destroyers, and concentrations of PLA troops on Taiwan’s shores.
The U.S. is also deploying long-range firing units in the Philippines, increasing the cost of any potential Chinese aggression. As China continues to expand its military footprint in the Pacific, both Taiwan and the Philippines are seen as crucial locations for blocking Chinese access to the broader Pacific region.
Strengthening Alliances in the Indo-Pacific
In the wake of these developments, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin completed a visit to the Indo-Pacific region, securing new defense agreements. Japan has committed to increasing its participation in joint military training with the U.S. and Australia, while the Philippines agreed to share military intelligence with the U.S., signaling a stronger defense alliance against China’s growing influence in the region.
The deployment of HIMARS and other long-range missile systems in the region underscores the U.S.’s determination to counter China’s expansionist ambitions and defend Taiwan, all while managing the growing rivalry with Russia.
