logo
Japan expands missile capabilities amid China tensions, Trump administration uncertainty

Japan expands missile capabilities amid China tensions, Trump administration uncertainty

Time of India9 hours ago

Japan displays missile power near China and US bases
On Okinawa's hilltops, Japan's new missile regiment is making its presence known. The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force's Seventh Regiment has deployed mobile anti-ship missiles in full view of both regional adversaries and American allies. This strategic visibility is part of a broader military buildup aimed at countering China's naval expansion near Japanese waters.
The regiment, established a year ago, is one of two new missile units stationed along Japan's southwestern islands. Their Type-12 ship-killing missiles, mounted on mobile trucks, are positioned to both deter aggression and signal Japan's growing capabilities.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Are you from India? The Prices of Solar Panels Might Surprise You
Search | Solar Panels
Also read:
Chinese brinkmanship challenges Japan and US in East China Sea, Liaoning aircraft carrier sends its fighters near disputed islands
Colonel Yohei Ito, commander of the Seventh Regiment, said the armament is intended to act as a deterrent. While directed at Beijing's increasingly assertive navy, the display also serves as a message to the United States, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding the foreign policy direction of President Donald Trump.
Live Events
Japan aims to bolster US alliance through
military modernization
Japan's government views its defense buildup as essential to strengthening the
US-Japan alliance
. Tokyo is negotiating a tariff-lifting agreement with Washington while emphasizing its role as a reliable security partner. During recent talks in Washington, Japanese trade envoy Ryosei Akazawa held discussions with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The strategy includes acquiring US-made systems such as the F-35B stealth fighter and Tomahawk cruise missiles. These weapons mark a significant shift, giving Japan the capacity to strike targets beyond its borders for the first time since World War II. Japan is also investing in its domestic defense industry, showcasing new technologies such as
hypersonic missiles
and drone-interception lasers at recent defense expos.
Nobukatsu Kanehara, a former deputy head of Japan's national security policy, said enhancing Japan's conventional military power is a key method to ensure continued American support.
Also read:
Hegseth says US will stand by Indo-Pacific allies against 'imminent' threat of China
Japan seeks greater integration with US command structure
To further integrate with the US military, Japan plans to establish a new 'war-fighting headquarters' in Tokyo. During a spring visit, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth endorsed the idea, highlighting the benefits of side-by-side command coordination between American and Japanese forces.
Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani stressed that the country faces its most challenging security environment since World War II. This includes threats from China and North Korea, both of which continue to expand their missile and nuclear capabilities.
Japanese policymakers are urging the United States to reaffirm its extended deterrence, including the possible visible deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in the region. Koichi Isobe, a retired lieutenant general, noted that nuclear deterrence remains central to Japan's defense posture.
Japan broadens security partnerships beyond the United States
While Tokyo continues to prioritize its alliance with the US, it is also diversifying security ties. Japan is developing a next-generation fighter aircraft in collaboration with Britain and Italy. In the Indo-Pacific, Japan has deepened cooperation with Australia, offering advanced frigates and participating in joint military exercises in the Philippines.
These moves reflect Japan's effort to hedge against possible shifts in US foreign policy, particularly under isolationist or unpredictable leadership. Experts warn that a strategic deal between the US and China could alter the power balance in Asia, potentially sidelining Japan.
Also read:
China warns USA over Taiwan: Is Beijing looking for Russia-like invasion?
Satoru Mori, a professor at Keio University in an interview with The New York Times emphasized the importance of convincing American leaders that Japan is a vital strategic ally. Although Japan has long abstained from nuclear weapons, it holds significant quantities of plutonium from its civilian energy program, which could support a nuclear deterrent if security guarantees erode.
For now, Japan's approach remains focused on reinforcing its military capabilities and deepening cooperation with the United States.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

State aims to enhance public education quality above private sector: Minister Lokesh
State aims to enhance public education quality above private sector: Minister Lokesh

Time of India

time18 minutes ago

  • Time of India

State aims to enhance public education quality above private sector: Minister Lokesh

PARVATHIPURAM: The state education minister, Nara Lokesh, announced comprehensive reforms to elevate govt education standards beyond private institutions. He expressed optimism about achieving significant progress within four years. At the Shining Stars Awards 2025 on Monday, Minister Lokesh honoured 95 tenth-grade and 26 intermediate high achievers. He outlined a 100-day action strategy for improved outcomes, highlighting initiatives like providing books and midday meals in govt junior colleges. He stressed his commitment to nurturing AP's young talents, encouraging future govt school graduates to return and inspire younger students. He said the AP govt's goal is to showcase the AP model to the world in the next two years by achieving number one in all fields. The govt is focusing on libraries at village, mandal, and constituency levels and setting up regional libraries. Steps are being taken to establish a world-class library in Amaravati. Students should focus not only on education but also on sports, NCC, and yoga. Minister Lokesh announced that cash incentives and laptops will be provided to students who secure seats in higher educational institutions, just like before. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo He said govt will encourage students secure seats in IITs and NITs. Addressing the tenth-grade students, he emphasised that life presents the real challenge ahead. He cited Chief Minister Chandrababu's exemplary discipline at 75 years, maintaining remarkable energy through extensive programmes like the three-day Mahanadu. "For college-bound students, life takes a new turn. One wrong choice can be detrimental. Your conduct should honour your parents. The 'No to Drugs, Bro' campaign, initiated after witnessing a mother's distress in Chandragiri constituency during Yuvagalam Padayatra, demonstrates our govt's anti-drug stance. Poor decisions affect both you and your family," Lokesh advised. He encouraged students to maintain humility whilst achieving success. Sharing his personal experience, he said, "I chose Mangalagiri, where TDP never succeeded, for elections. Despite losing in 2019, I persevered for five years, achieving the third-highest majority statewide. I accepted the challenging education portfolio despite contrary advice." AP aims to achieve complete literacy within four years through Mission Akshara Andhra, addressing its current low literacy ranking. The minister acknowledged India's strong response to terrorism under Modi's leadership, referencing AP's loss of Murali Nayak in Operation Sindoor. The event concluded with students joining Lokesh in singing Vande Mataram. Students Share Aspirations on Dream Wall Students documented their ambitions on dedicated walls. G. Jithu aspires to become a software engineer, G. Jagadish aims for IAS, and C.H. Priyanka wants to teach. Bodela Jyotsna plans to contribute to infrastructure development as an engineer, R. Prajna aims to serve as a doctor, Vavilapalli Gayatri targets AI engineering, and Komarapu Gunashree wishes to innovate in software engineering. Gratitude and Promises Students expressed appreciation on the Gratitude Wall. K. Lokesh pledged to pursue doctorate studies and support his parents. Praharshini thanked Minister Lokesh and the college staff. Komarapu Gunashree acknowledged Chandrababu and Lokesh's encouragement. The minister assured continued support for students' aspirations. The event was attended by state ministers Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, Gummadi Sandhya Rani, whip Toyaka Jagadeeshwari, MLAs Bonela Vijayachandra and Nimmaka Jayakrishna, Education Secretary Kona Shashidhar, Intermediate Education Director Krithika Shukla, College Education Director Narayana Bharat Gupta, MLC Vepada Chiranjeevi, Collector Shyam Prasad, ITDA PO Ashutosh Srivastava, and others.

Govt orders probe into track deaths, oppn seeks rly min Vishnaw's sacking
Govt orders probe into track deaths, oppn seeks rly min Vishnaw's sacking

Time of India

time18 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Govt orders probe into track deaths, oppn seeks rly min Vishnaw's sacking

Mumbai: While CM Devendra Fadnavis described the incident where eight passengers fell off a local train as "unfortunate" and said Railways has begun an investigation into the cause, minister Girish Mahajan said the state govt would give Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. State Cong press chief Harshwardhan Sapkal, however, demanded the resignation of railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the accident in which four people lost their lives in Thane district. Sapkal also demanded a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. Sapkal accused Vaishnaw of being ignorant about improving facilities. In a post on X, he said that for the last 11 years, the people of Maharashtra and Mumbai have been listening to empty talk about infrastructure and ease of travel for Mumbaikars. MNS president Raj Thackeray blamed the influx of migrants from other states to Mumbai for the "collapse" of the railway system. Raj also questioned the rationale for demanding the installation of automatic door closure mechanisms in local trains, considering the rush of commuters. NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has appealed to the Central Railway administration to implement measures like AC locals and installing automatic doors in suburban trains in view of overcrowding. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "A flood of people coming to Mumbai from outside led to the collapse of the railway system," Pawar said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said the incident is extremely heartbreaking. "The unfortunate death of some passengers was caused by an express train coming from the opposite direction," Aaditya said in a post on X. "I am very disturbed by a terrible accident An inquiry into the accident has been launched by the railway," said DCM Eknath Shinde. Shinde said hospitals in Thane and Kalwa were directed to provide immediate treatment. DCM Ajit Pawar said the incident highlights the urgent need to address overcrowding in Mumbai's suburban system. Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief, stating, "Indian Railways has become a symbol of congestion and chaos." Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde and NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad pushed for more Diva locals to ease the load.

Apple WWDC 2025: After Microsoft, Tim Cook-led tech giant's annual software event interrupted by protest; Watch video
Apple WWDC 2025: After Microsoft, Tim Cook-led tech giant's annual software event interrupted by protest; Watch video

Time of India

time19 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Apple WWDC 2025: After Microsoft, Tim Cook-led tech giant's annual software event interrupted by protest; Watch video

Days after Microsoft, Apple saw interruption during its annual software developer conference on Monday by a protester who marched in and unzipped his jacket to reveal a keffiyeh. The protester spoke for about 30 seconds before security walked him out, reported The Verge. The incident comes after a former Microsoft employee ignited controversy during the company's 50th anniversary celebration, confronting top executives including CEO Satya Nadella and former heads Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. The employee, Vaniya Agrawal, an Indian-American software engineer, accused the tech giant of aiding violence in Gaza through its technologies.'Fifty thousand Palestinians in Gaza have been murdered with Microsoft technology. How dare you. Shame on all of you for celebrating on their blood,' she declared before being escorted out of the event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Watch video here: Agrawal, who has since resigned from the company, described Microsoft as a 'digital weapons manufacturer' and condemned its alleged collaboration with the Israeli military. In a pointed critique, she called on Microsoft to end its ties with Israel, highlighting what she claimed was a $133 million agreement with Israel's Ministry of Defense involving AI and Azure tools. Live Events

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store