Tokyo, March 16 (NationPress) Japan is considering the deployment of long-range missiles on the southwestern island of Kyushu to enhance the security of the nation's southwestern Nansei island chain. This strategy holds significant importance due to the island chain's closeness to Taiwan, amid escalating concerns that the self-governing democratic island could face an invasion from China, as reported by local media.

The anticipated deployment, set to commence at the end of the upcoming financial year in March 2026, is part of Japan's initiative to develop "counterstrike capabilities" to target adversaries in times of crisis, according to sources from the Japanese media outlet Kyodo News.

China asserts that Taiwan is a part of its territory that must be unified with the mainland, even by force if necessary. Recently, China cautioned Japan against meddling in Taiwan's affairs.

During a press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the one-China principle, which regards Taiwan as an integral part of China, and warned that some assert that "a contingency in Taiwan would equate to a contingency for Japan," but "provoking trouble under the guise of Taiwan invites challenges for Japan."

Wang also pointed out that for over a millennium, China has been a source of opportunities, not threats, for Japan, and he advised Tokyo to approach historical narratives and Taiwan cautiously, as reported by NHK World Japan.

In a recent interview with The Japan Times in Taipei, Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Chih-chung Wu expressed hopes for strengthening ties with Japan and other like-minded nations "at every level."

As China's military activities intensify in the Indo-Pacific, including larger and more frequent operations around Taiwan, Wu welcomed Tokyo's decision to enhance its defense capabilities and play a more substantial role in regional security.

This significant role is underscored by Japan's expanding network of regional partnerships and the unprecedented movement of Japanese warships through the Taiwan Strait in recent months.

"We observe a transformation. Japan is increasingly engaging in regional security matters, and we wholeheartedly support this initiative," Wu was quoted as saying by The Japan Times.

Wu asserted that Beijing would be less likely to target Taiwan if it perceives that other nations in the region and beyond are committed to its defense or at the very least, maintaining a stable status quo. He stated that the best course of action for Tokyo concerning Taiwan and regional stability is to continue safeguarding its national interests and opposing any forceful alterations to the status quo.