In a recent move, U.S. has withdrawn its Typhon intermediate-range missile system from Japan, following its temporary deployment during the recent ‘Resolute Dragon’ joint exercises, confirmed the Japanese Defence Ministry on Monday.
The move came at a time when Japan and China are engaged in a dispute over Japan’s newly elected PM Sanae Takaichi’s remarks over Taiwan worsening the bilateral relations.
The Typhon missile system, which was first unveiled at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture in September, can fire Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and SM-6 air-defense missiles with ranges of up to 1,800 km, putting Beijing, Shanghai, and much of eastern China within reach if deployed from Japan.
Local Protests Over U.S. Presence
Locals have long protested the missile system’s presence at Iwakuni base in Yamaguchi prefecture. Many feared that it could be the permanent deployment. Another prefecture Okinawa, which despite occupying only about 0.6 percent of Japan’s land area, hosts a disproportionate share of U.S. military facilities raising concerns for locals.
Beijing’s Objections
In September this year, China strongly opposed the deployment of the missile system in Japan. China’s foreign ministry demanded Japan and U.S. to withdraw the system, warning that it could escalate the regional security risks and fuel arms race. The move was even protested by Russia.
Amid rising tensions between the two countries, tourism and exchange events have been suspended, and China has significantly increased its military presence around the disputed Senkaku Islands.
Adding to Beijing’s concerns, U.S. also deployed a Typhon missile system in the northern Philippines during a joint exercise last year, extending coverage across the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea and signaling potential strategic consequences for the region.
