Japan may deploy long-range missiles on Kyushu island

TOKYO: Japan is assessing the deployment of long-range missiles on the southwestern island of Kyushu aimed at bolstering the security of the country’s southwestern Nansei island chain.

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This move is strategically important for the island chain's proximity to Taiwan, amid growing fears that the self-ruled democratic island may be invaded by China, local media reported.

The deployment, which is expected to start at the end of the next financial year in March 2026, is part of the country’s efforts to acquire “counterstrike capabilities" to hit enemy targets in the event of an emergency, Japanese media outlet Kyodo News reported, quoting government sources.

China claims Taiwan to be a part of its territory that must be reunified with the mainland by force if necessary. Last week, China warned Japan not to interfere in Taiwan affairs.