Why Japan’s Type-12 missile deployment may complicate China’s regional strategy

AI Summary

Japan has deployed upgraded Type-12 long-range surface-to-ship missiles at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture near the East China Sea, a move analysts say could cross a strategic threshold for Beijing. The deployment of domestically produced missiles is seen as significantly altering regional military dynamics and complicating China's strategic calculus. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed the deployment, with missile launchers already spotted en route.

Japan has deployed its domestically produced long-range missiles near the East China Sea – a move that could be interpreted by Beijing as crossing a “strategic threshold”, analysts said. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said on Monday that the upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles would be deployed at Camp Kengun in the southwestern Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto by the end of this month. Army vehicles carrying the first batch of missile launchers were reportedly spotted...