An attempt to raise tension… China denounces Japan’s plan to deploy missiles near Taiwan

I denounced China by decision Japan is moving forward with missile development on an island near Taiwan, in an escalation of a diplomatic debate that has been going on for weeks, and described it as "A deliberate attempt to incite regional tension and ignite a military confrontation"

Japanese media quoted Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi as saying that the deployment of missiles on Yonaguni Island, near Taiwan, is proceeding according to the specified plan.

The minister said that the operation "The deployment could reduce the possibility of an armed attack on Japan"

Relations between Beijing and Tokyo deteriorated this month after statements made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicating that Tokyo might intervene militarily in the event of any attack on Taiwan.

Raising regional tension

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that Japan’s deployment of the missiles constitutes "A deliberate attempt to incite regional tension and ignite a military confrontation"

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters: "This trend, coupled with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s false statements about Taiwan, is extremely dangerous and requires a high degree of alertness from neighboring countries and the international community."Since 2016, Yonaguni Island has hosted a Japanese army base that was established despite residents’ protest.

Tokyo has previously announced plans to deploy a Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air guided missile to protect the island from surface-to-air missiles and aircraft.

China claims Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory and has threatened to use force to control it.

Taiwan welcomes With the move

Taiwan said on Monday that Japan would strengthen military facilities on Yonaguni "Helps maintain security in the Taiwan Strait"

Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chieh-chang told MPs: "Japan is a sovereign country and has the right to do whatever it takes to protect the security of its territory as long as such actions do not pose a threat to other countries"

He added: "We believe it is in our national interests since Japan has no territorial claims or hostility toward Taiwan".

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