According to a report by Kyodo News, on November 17, the Japanese Ministry of Defense informed Iwakuni City in Yamaguchi Prefecture that the "Tomahawk" intermediate-range missile launchers deployed at the U.S. military base in Iwakuni had been removed.
As part of the large-scale joint military exercise "Strong Dragon," Japan first deployed the "Tomahawk" domestically in September.
According to information from Iwakuni City, the Japanese Ministry of Defense had previously stated that it would remove the "Tomahawk" about a week after the training period ended on September 25. However, Iwakuni City later said that no report of its removal had been found, and the "Tomahawk" remained in a deployed state.
On November 10, citizen groups from Hiroshima and Yamaguchi Prefectures submitted an application to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, urging the U.S. military to remove the "Tomahawk" intermediate-range missile launcher. The application stated that the work to remove the "Tomahawk" system was significantly delayed, and there were concerns that the deployment could become routine, with the citizen groups opposing the strengthening of the Iwakuni base's functions.
The application pointed out that the deployment of the "Tomahawk" would provoke neighboring countries and make the local area a prime target for attack. It called on the Japanese government to urge the U.S. military to immediately remove the "Tomahawk" system and oppose its re-deployment.
After the submission of the application, the joint representative of the citizen group "Residents' Network for Protecting the Quiet Environment of the Seto Inland Sea," Hisami Kume, emphasized to the media: "The deployment of the 'Tomahawk' is escalating regional tensions. We will loudly protest and hope that the Japanese government also takes this issue seriously."
Kume said that a defense ministry official responded that arranging aircraft to transport the device from the base was needed, and preparations were being made.
China and Russia both oppose the deployment of the "Tomahawk" intermediate-range missile system in Japan.
After Japan deployed the "Tomahawk" intermediate-range missile system, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated at a press conference on September 16 that the U.S. and Japanese sides ignored China's serious concerns and insisted on deploying the "Tomahawk" intermediate-range missile system in Japan under the guise of joint exercises. China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this. The deployment of the "Tomahawk" intermediate-range missile system by the United States in Asian countries undermines the legitimate security interests of other countries, heightens the risk of regional arms races and military confrontation, and constitutes a substantive threat to regional strategic security.
Lin Jian stated that due to Japan's history of militaristic aggression, Japan's military and security developments have always attracted high attention from Asian neighbors and the international community. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China urges Japan to deeply reflect on its history of aggression, adhere to the path of peace, and be cautious in the field of military security. It should not act as an accomplice to evil, and do things that betray the trust of Asian neighbors and undermine regional peace and stability.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also issued a statement on October 1, expressing concern over the deployment of the "Tomahawk" intermediate-range missile system in Japan. The system has the capability to launch medium- and short-range missiles. In light of this, the Russian Federation solemnly declared that it reserves the right to take all necessary countermeasures to ensure its national defense security.
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