Conflicts - TensionsFree and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIPNortheast Asia

Japan fortifies southwest defenses amid PRC’s military buildup, incursions

Felix Kim

Japan is strengthening its defense capabilities, particularly on its southwestern islands, in response to Beijing’s assertive military activity. The enhancements include the recent activations of the 3rd Regiment of the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ (JSDF) Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade on the major southern island of Kyushu, a surface-to-surface missile unit on Okinawa and an electronic warfare unit on Yonaguni Island near Taiwan.

Japan also is boosting defense engagement with its longtime ally, the United States, and with Australia and the Philippines, also U.S. allies.

Japanese and U.S. personnel participate in exercise Iron Fist in Okinawa, Japan, in March 2024.
VIDEO CREDIT: PETTY OFFICER JASON ISAACS/U.S. NAVY

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said the nation “is facing the most severe and complex security environment” since World War II. “The Ministry of Defense is in the process of fundamentally strengthening its defense capabilities, and we see strengthening the defense system in the southwest region in particular as an urgent task,” he said in March 2024.

Kihara warned of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) rapid military buildup in recent years, particularly around Japan. He said a Chinese naval ship conducted operations south of Japan’s Nansei Islands for about two weeks in March, mirroring other unauthorized PRC maritime activity in and around Japanese waters.

The PRC also threatens to forcibly annex self-governed Taiwan, which it claims as its territory.

The new JSDF regiment is an elite marine unit designed to conduct amphibious operations and reclaim any captured islands. Along with the other new units, it will enhance Japan’s island defense and electromagnetic domain capabilities, Kihara said. JSDF troops recently deployed to the southwest islands of Amami Oshima and Miyako, and plans for the region include troop reorganization, a new garrison and air deployments.

“By demonstrating Japan’s intention that it will not tolerate any change in the status quo, and by increasing Japan’s deterrence and response capabilities, it will reduce the possibility of an armed attack against Japan itself,” Kihara said.

Increased defense cooperation with regional partners is key “to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” he said in early April, highlighting the Philippines’ strategic location along crucial sea lanes.

“For this reason, we are strengthening defense cooperation with the Philippines in various fields, and we would like to continue to strengthen it in the future,” Kihara said. The nations are negotiating an agreement to grant their forces access to each other’s bases for training and exercises.

Also in April, Kihara noted Tokyo’s potential collaboration with Australia, the United Kingdom and the U.S. under those nations’ AUKUS security partnership. Cooperation could include areas such as undersea, cyber and electronic warfare, and hypersonic, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.

“The promotion of AUKUS efforts and the strengthening of security and defense cooperation between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia are important for the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, and Japan will consistently support AUKUS efforts,” Kihara said.

Felix Kim is a FORUM contributor reporting from Seoul, South Korea.

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