Amid new diplomatic protests from China, Japan denied that it is considering the sale of Type 03 Chū-SAM surface-to-air missile systems to the Philippines, following reports that circulated last week regarding the planned deployment of these batteries on Yonaguni Island, as stated by the Japanese Defense Minister. Beijing accused Tokyo of preparing a transfer of this system to Manila—a country with which it maintains an open conflict in the South China Sea—an allegation that, if realized, would imply that Japan is moving beyond the restrictions that still limit its defense exports, part of the legacy of post-Potsdam pacifist policy.
For context, a few days ago, Japan’s Defense Minister Minoru Kihara stated that the country will deploy a Type 03 short-range air defense system on Yonaguni, the westernmost inhabited island of Japan and the closest Japanese island to Taiwan. According to official information, the system will be operated by the Air Defense Regiment of the 15th Brigade of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), under the Southwest Command, which already maintains a detachment on Yonaguni responsible for airspace surveillance and control. This reinforcement directly responds to what Tokyo describes as an increasingly severe strategic environment due to the rise in Chinese military flights and operations near the First Island Chain, particularly around Okinawa and the Taiwan Strait.
Designed domestically to intercept aircraft, helicopters, and drones near island areas, the Chū-SAM has been in service with the Ground Self-Defense Force since 2003. The platform is mounted on an 8×8 mobile chassis, with each launcher carrying a canister of six interceptor missiles.
In line with this, China expressed through semi-official media its total rejection of the measure, stating that “this is a deliberate action that generates regional tensions and fuels military confrontation,” adding that “this action is extremely dangerous and should put neighboring countries of Japan and the international community on maximum alert.”
Following this, in recent hours, Japanese media revealed that Japan and the Philippines had held informal talks regarding the export of the Japanese medium-range Type 03 missile. China, which maintains growing tensions with Tokyo and Manila, claimed that the negotiations went further than reported by Japanese sources and that it would actually involve a direct export, eliminating all restrictions prohibiting Japan from sending military equipment to other countries. The Japanese Ministry of Defense spokesperson argued that “the Ministry of Defense regularly participates in various exchanges with the Philippines regarding defense equipment and technological cooperation, but it is not true that we are discussing the export of Chū-SAM,” the spokesperson wrote on Tuesday.
Returning to Minoru Kihara’s statements during his official visit to the local garrison on November 23, he said that the Japanese military presence on Yonaguni and the southern islands “is essential to protect the lives and safety of citizens, as well as to strengthen the integrated defense posture across other operational domains.” It should not be overlooked that the Southwest Command, which covers Okinawa and the Sakishima Islands, has become a strategic investment focus in recent years, alongside the increase in Chinese bomber flights, naval patrols, and intelligence activities in the vicinity.
Finally, the deployment of the Type 03 on Yonaguni, together with Tokyo’s firm denial of any export negotiations with the Philippines, is part of a sustained policy to reinforce the southwestern islands, one of the most sensitive areas for Japanese defense. In recent years, this island arc has become a critical point due to the increase in Chinese air and naval operations around Taiwan and the First Island Chain, prompting Japan to strengthen its rapid response and advanced surveillance capabilities. The role of the United States should also be noted, as the U.S. Marine Corps conducted an exercise at the end of October to establish an advanced and refueling point (FARP) as part of Joint Exercise 07, marking another key point in a hostile scenario.
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