Japan's Defense Ministry is seeking understanding of residents of a southwestern remote island for its plan to deploy a surveillance radar system amid China's growing military activities.
Officials of the ministry explained their plan to the residents of Kita-Daitojima Island in Okinawa on Thursday. The island is located about 360 kilometers southeast of Okinawa's main island.
The officials stressed the need to install the Air Self-Defense Force's mobile radar system on the island due to increased activity by Chinese military vessels and aircraft in the Pacific.
The officials said the ministry is considering acquiring two village-owned sites, one on the northern side of the island and the other on its southern side.
They said about 30 SDF personnel will be stationed on the island if the deployment is formally decided.
The residents expressed concern that the island may become a target of attack if it hosts the radar system.
The Defense Ministry officials responded that the deployment of the unit would enhance deterrence and lower the risk of attacks on Japan, including the island.
The ministry has deployed SDF units on Okinawa's southwestern remote islands in recent years.
In March this year, the SDF opened a camp on Ishigakijima Island to operate anti-ship and anti-air missiles.
But there are currently no air surveillance radar systems on the islands on the Pacific side.
The Defense Ministry says Chinese military aircraft have been spotted flying over waters near the Daitojima region in recent years.
In fiscal 2021, Chinese planes were observed flying in the direction of the region after passing between Okinawa's main island and Miyakojima Island.
In December 2021, a Chinese aircraft carrier navigated in waters about 300 kilometers east of Kita-Daitojima, with fighter jets taking off and landing.
Last December, the same carrier sailed between Okinawa's main island and Miyakojima Island before reaching waters around 670 kilometers west of Guam. It was the first time a Chinese carrier had come that close to the US territory.
Officials of the ministry explained their plan to the residents of Kita-Daitojima Island in Okinawa on Thursday. The island is located about 360 kilometers southeast of Okinawa's main island.
The officials stressed the need to install the Air Self-Defense Force's mobile radar system on the island due to increased activity by Chinese military vessels and aircraft in the Pacific.
The officials said the ministry is considering acquiring two village-owned sites, one on the northern side of the island and the other on its southern side.
They said about 30 SDF personnel will be stationed on the island if the deployment is formally decided.
The residents expressed concern that the island may become a target of attack if it hosts the radar system.
The Defense Ministry officials responded that the deployment of the unit would enhance deterrence and lower the risk of attacks on Japan, including the island.
The ministry has deployed SDF units on Okinawa's southwestern remote islands in recent years.
In March this year, the SDF opened a camp on Ishigakijima Island to operate anti-ship and anti-air missiles.
But there are currently no air surveillance radar systems on the islands on the Pacific side.
The Defense Ministry says Chinese military aircraft have been spotted flying over waters near the Daitojima region in recent years.
In fiscal 2021, Chinese planes were observed flying in the direction of the region after passing between Okinawa's main island and Miyakojima Island.
In December 2021, a Chinese aircraft carrier navigated in waters about 300 kilometers east of Kita-Daitojima, with fighter jets taking off and landing.
Last December, the same carrier sailed between Okinawa's main island and Miyakojima Island before reaching waters around 670 kilometers west of Guam. It was the first time a Chinese carrier had come that close to the US territory.
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Summary
Japan's Defense Ministry seeks resident approval for a surveillance radar system deployment on Kita-Daitojima Island, Okinawa, amid increased Chinese military activity in the Pacific. The mobile radar system is intended to monitor Chinese naval and aerial activities. Residents voice concerns about
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ID: 7d251027-5200-4772-b714-1e67fe8375ac
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230721_04/
Date: July 21, 2023
Created: 2023/07/21 07:39
Updated: 2025/12/09 01:45
Last Read: 2023/07/21 09:47