Japan builds up its ‘southern shield’ as faith in US security cover falters
Summary
Japan is changing its defense strategy by building up military forces on its southern island of Kyushu to better respond to threats from China. This new focus, called the "southern shield," includes long-range missiles and aims to protect key islands near Taiwan and the East China Sea.Key Facts
- Japan deployed long-range missiles to Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu island in March.
- These missiles have the range to reach China, reflecting Beijing as Japan’s top security threat.
- Japan’s defense budget reached a record $58 billion for the fiscal year 2026.
- The "southern shield" focuses on the Nansei or Ryukyu Islands, near Taiwan.
- This area is part of the U.S.-led “First Island Chain” strategy to block Chinese access to the Pacific.
- Japan is shifting its defense policy to include “counterstrike capability,” allowing it to hit back if attacked.
- The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) act as a military but are legally classified differently due to Japan’s post-World War II pacifist constitution.
- The JSDF’s role expanded after the Gulf War when Japan sought a greater military role alongside its U.S. ally.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.