Japan deploys new long-range missile near China

The Japan Self-Defense Forces deployed new Type-25 land-to-ship missiles to the nation’s westernmost inhabited island on Monday, placing parts of mainland China within the missile’s reported 620-mile range. The deployment came during the biennial “Keen Sword” exercises, one of the largest recurring Japan-U.S. joint military drills—this iteration of which involves approximately 45,000 Japanese and 12,000 American personnel, along with forces from partner nations simulating a defense of Taiwan and Japan’s southwestern islands against a long-threatened and increasingly powerful potential Chinese invasion. The deployment reflects Japan’s broader shift toward long-range strike capabilities, moving beyond its post-World War ii defense doctrine limited to territorial defense. Watch for Japan to continue its biblically prophesied march toward military normalization—and for Japan and China eventually to set aside their mutual hostility and join forces.