US Plans to Deploy Previously Banned Missile System to Japan
According to Nikkei Asia, the US is planning to deploy a missile system to Japan for military drills. This system, known as the Typhon missile launcher, is ground-based and can launch nuclear-capable Tomahawk missiles with a range exceeding 1,000 miles.
Missile System Banned by INF Treaty
The Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty previously banned ground-based missiles with a range between 310 and 3,400 miles. However, the US withdrew from this treaty in 2019. The Typhon system can also launch SM-6 missiles, which can reach targets up to 290 miles away.
Typhon System Deployment in the Philippines
The US had previously deployed a Typhon system in the Philippines for military drills. This move was seen by China as a significant provocation. The missile system was stationed in the Philippines for several months, starting from April. Despite Manila's announcement that the system would be removed in September, it could still be present.
China expressed significant concern over the deployment of the Typhon system. Wu Qian, a spokesman for the Chinese Defense Ministry, stated that the deployment "put the entire region under the fire of the United States (and) brought huge risks of war into the region."
Proposed Deployment in Japan
US Army Secretary Christine Wormuth stated on Wednesday that she had informed Japanese officials of the US's intention to deploy the Typhon to Japan next. She mentioned this at a Defense News conference in Virginia, adding that the US plans to keep it in Japan for several months.
Wormuth believes that the deployment "strengthens deterrence" in the region and has "gotten the attention of China." She also suggested that there is "a lot of potential" for the relocation of US troops and equipment around Japan’s southwestern islands, which are near Taiwan.
Tensions in the Region
US officials argue that they are increasing their military presence near China in the name of deterrence, but these actions have only heightened tensions in the region, making a conflict more probable. Wormuth and other US officials are openly planning for a direct confrontation with China, despite the clear risk of nuclear war.
Last year, Wormuth stated that the US was preparing to fight and win a war with China. "I personally am not of the view that an amphibious invasion of Taiwan is imminent," she said. "But we obviously have to prepare, to be prepared to fight and win that war."
Bottom Line
The deployment of the Typhon missile system in Japan could potentially escalate tensions in the region. While US officials argue that these actions are necessary for deterrence, others believe they increase the likelihood of conflict. What are your thoughts on this matter? Share this article with your friends and let us know your views. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
