Japan is planning to deploy an air defense system on the Okinawa Island, which is only 110 kilometers away from Taiwan. At a time when the relationship between China and Japan is highly tense due to the erroneous remarks of Takahashi Hayato on Taiwan, this move is undoubtedly making the China-Japan relationship and the situation in the Taiwan Strait even more sensitive. Just on November 24, one Chinese drone once again crossed the sea between Taiwan and Okinawa Island, suspected to be related to reconnaissance of enemy intelligence.

Minister Koizumi visits Okinawa Island, confirms deployment of air defense missiles

According to a report by the Global Times, on November 23, Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro took a transport plane to visit the Japanese Self-Defense Forces' bases in the Southwest Islands. After arriving at the westernmost Okinawa Island, Koizumi Shinjiro confirmed that the Japanese Self-Defense Forces are planning to deploy the 03-type air defense missile system on the island. The latter is a land-based air defense weapon system with a range of 50 to 70 kilometers and a maximum interception altitude of 10,000 meters. It uses a vehicle-mounted launch system for mobile deployment on land. In addition, it is equipped with a multi-function radar and adopts vertical launch technology for omnidirectional attack, capable of intercepting military aircraft and incoming missiles.

There are three points worth noting regarding Japan's plan to deploy air defense missiles on Okinawa Island: First, the timing is very sensitive. Takahashi Hayato's erroneous remarks on Taiwan have led to continued tension between China and Japan. Since Takahashi Hayato has refused to withdraw her erroneous statements, there is no sign of relief in the strained China-Japan relations. Some Japanese experts predict that this round of China-Japan diplomatic tensions will last at least until next year, or even longer.

Second, the location is sensitive. Friends familiar with the Taiwan Strait are not unfamiliar with the name "Okinawa Island," and in a way, it is a frequently mentioned hotspot in the Taiwan Strait situation. The reason is simple: because it is too close to Taiwan, only 110 kilometers away. The residents here go to Taiwan to purchase daily necessities and even receive TV signals from Taiwan. On clear days, standing at the westernmost lookout point of Okinawa Island, you can even see the towering Central Mountain Range of Taiwan.

The 03-type air defense missile is a mobile air defense weapon

In the past, when people talked about the U.S. and Japan's involvement in the Taiwan Strait, the Japanese Southwest Islands were considered a logistical base during wartime, as well as a forward position for U.S.-Japan involvement in the Taiwan Strait. Okinawa Island was even considered the most forward position. Since 2016, Japan has stationed troops on the island and deployed radar. In addition, in recent years, Japanese defense ministers such as Kishida Fumio and Hamada Masaru have visited Okinawa Island and looked out toward Taiwan, which further illustrates the sensitive presence of Okinawa Island in the Taiwan Strait situation.

Third, the future role of the 03-type air defense missile. From a wartime perspective, the range of this weapon is limited and cannot reach Taiwan, but one thing needs attention: in wartime, the probability of PLA aircraft passing through the sea between Taiwan and Okinawa Island is very high. In this context, the 03-type air defense missile could become a potential threat. If combined with the air defense system of the Taiwan authorities, this 110-kilometer sea area may form a dense air defense firepower network.

On the day after Koizumi's visit to Okinawa Island, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced that a PLA drone once again flew over the sea near Okinawa Island. According to the information released by the Taiwanese military, on the afternoon of November 24, between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, one PLA drone flew southward from the sea area along the eastern coast of Taiwan, then headed south to the West Philippine Sea and returned along the same route.

Although Japan and the Taiwan authorities did not disclose the specific model of the drone, local media pointed out that based on previous situations, it was likely a high-altitude long-range reconnaissance drone of the PLA.

PLA drone flies southward through the sea near Okinawa Island

Taiwanese military expert Shu Xiaohuang pointed out: The intention of the PLA drone flying through this sea area this time is very clear, targeting the deployment plan of the 03-type air defense missile system on Okinawa Island. This may be a pre-emptive enemy reconnaissance, and it is expected that the frequency of PLA drones flying through this sea area in the future will be higher than before.



Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7576931657983279667/

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