Tensions Rise as Japan Deploys Patriot Missiles: China Reacts with Fury

Patriot Missiles Deployed in Okinawa
Designed for the North Korean Missile Defense
China Reacts with Outrage

In East Asia, Japan and South Korea are considered the most important allies of the United States. It is also a formidable adversary that China must overcome to advance into the Pacific. Japan is aware of its strategic position and is striving to secure more substantial military power to protect itself. And reestablish its position as a Pacific power.

However, the biggest threat Japan perceives may be North Korea. The relationship between North Korea and Japan has never improved since the Cold War. This is mainly due to the missile threats from North Korea. To counter this, Japan has reportedly deployed Patriot missiles in Okinawa, a move that has angered China.

Missiles Deployed on Miyako Island
Continued North Korean Missile Provocations

Japan’s Minister of Defense announced the deployment of the Patriot PAC-3 surface-to-air missile, belonging to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, at a facility on Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture. The PAC-3 is currently the most accurate of all versions of the Patriot missile for missiles and combat aircraft. It’s almost a death sentence as soon as they are detected.

North Korea’s continued missile launches into Japanese airspace have instilled a near-phobic fear in Japanese society. Consequently, Japan’s deployment of Patriot missiles seems aimed at preventing the potential risk of North Korea launching long-range ballistic missiles into mainland Japan.

Isn’t It Too Close to Taiwan?
China Explodes with Rage

While having a certain distance for launching interceptor missiles is beneficial, the proximity of Miyako Island, where the Patriot missiles are stationed, raises concerns regarding whether Japan’s missile deployment is exclusively focused on North Korea.

China reacted angrily to Japan’s move, seeing it as an attempt to intervene in Taiwan and China. The People’s Liberation Army has been patrolling between Miyako Island and Taiwan repeatedly, interpreting Japan’s move as a check against China. Some experts also believe that the recent interception of Russia’s Kinzhal hypersonic missile by the Patriot is a cause for China’s aggressive reaction.