Key Facts
• 80 years after WWII, Okinawa faces rising military tensions with China.
• Japan’s Ministry of Defense has established multiple bases in the past decade.
• Long-range missiles may be deployed in the future, intensifying local concerns.
• The 1,200 km Southwest region, excluding Okinawa Island, was a “defense gap.”
• In 2016, a coastal surveillance unit was stationed on Yonaguni Island.
• New units were formed in 2019 (Miyako and Amami Islands) and 2023 (Ishigaki Island).
• Uruma City saw a missile regiment established in 2022.
• The 15th Brigade will be upgraded to a division by 2024, increasing personnel to 3,000.
• Enhanced capabilities aim to address potential Taiwan Strait conflicts.
• Local resistance persists, citing historical trauma and fears of becoming a battleground.
• Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki opposes further militarization, citing regional tension risks.
Summary
Japan is bolstering its military presence in Okinawa and surrounding islands to counter China’s growing activities in the East China Sea. Over the past decade, the Ministry of Defense has established new bases and plans to deploy advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles. The 15th Brigade will be upgraded to a division in 2024, increasing personnel and operational capacity. While these measures aim to enhance deterrence and address potential Taiwan Strait conflicts, they have sparked significant local opposition. Okinawa residents, recalling the devastation of WWII, fear becoming a battleground again. Governor Denny Tamaki has voiced strong opposition, arguing that militarization escalates regional tensions. Despite efforts to gain public support through disaster relief and other services, the gap between the government and local sentiment remains wide.
