Photo Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
The Japanese government announced the deployment of the upgraded Type-12 missile system, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The range of these missiles has increased from 200 to 1000 kilometers, allowing Japan to significantly enhance its military capabilities.
By March of next year, the batteries will be deployed in Kumamoto Prefecture in the southwest of the country, and next year the missiles will also be installed in Shizuoka, located west of Tokyo.
Although these actions are formally aimed at strengthening Japan's defense capabilities, they are perceived differently in Beijing.
A representative of the Chinese Ministry of Defense, Jiang Bin, warned that if Japan attempts to threaten China's sovereignty and security, it will face a resolute response and suffer heavy losses.
This escalation of rhetoric indicates rising tensions in the region, where every attempt to increase armaments is seen as preparation for a potential conflict, military experts note.
The thousand-kilometer range of the Type-12 missiles signals that Japan is moving beyond its traditional defensive strategy and beginning to develop capabilities that are viewed in Beijing as offensive.
“If Japan deploys long-range missiles with a range of 1000 kilometers on its territory and attempts to threaten the sovereignty and security of our country, it will face a crushing defeat,” Jiang Bin stated.
