US Deploys Anti-Ship Missiles to Yonaguni Island

The United States Armed Forces will deploy the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System to the Japanese island of Yonaguni for the first time. This advanced anti-ship missile system will be positioned during Keen Sword, a major bilateral training exercise scheduled for later this month.

Exercise plans published on the island's website indicate that the Japanese military may also deploy its own anti-ship and surface-to-air missile systems during the drills. The deployment is strategically significant due to the island's proximity to Taiwan. The move is expected to draw criticism from China.