Summary
Japan is building a new training base for U.S. and Japanese military jets on a southwestern island to address concerns about China's military actions. This base is part of Japan's efforts to strengthen its military and its alliance with the United States. The construction on Mageshima Island has been progressing quickly as part of Japan's plan to increase its military presence in the region.
Key Facts
- Japan is speeding up the construction of a training base for U.S. and Japanese jets on Mageshima Island.
- Mageshima is in a strategic location, helping control key waterways used by China's navy.
- Japan bought Mageshima for $146 million in 2019 to support military training.
- The base will be a primary training site for F-35B fighter jets used by both U.S. and Japanese forces.
- Construction began in January 2023, and over 6,000 workers were involved as of October 2023.
- China has noticed the construction and has expressed concerns about Japan's military buildup.
- Japan plans to deploy anti-air missiles on nearby Yonaguni Island, close to Taiwan, heightening tensions with China.
