What happened
The United States is deploying the NMESIS anti-ship missile system to Japan's Yonaguni island, which is approximately 60 nautical miles from Taiwan. This move aims to enhance deterrence against a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan. The NMESIS system, developed by Norway's Kongsberg company, uses the Naval Strike Missile, a highly capable anti-ship missile designed to penetrate advanced air defenses and destroy key targets on enemy warships.
The deployment of NMESIS to Yonaguni island is seen as a significant development, as it provides extraordinary utility in any future war over Taiwan. The system's range of at least 100 nautical miles, with potential upgrades to extend that range to over 150 nautical miles, covers waters off the Taiwanese capital of Taipei and throughout northeastern Taiwan.
The Chinese government has expressed strong opposition to the deployment, with a retired PLA officer stating that it would increase the risk of miscalculation and reinforce perceptions that Japan and the US could intervene militarily in the Taiwan question. However, the US and Japanese militaries believe that the deployment of NMESIS will introduce an element of friction into President Xi Jinping's calculations, making him more cautious about launching a military attack on Taiwan.
The deployment is also seen as a signal of support to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has significantly boosted defense spending and suggested that Japan would intervene if China were to attack Taiwan. The US and Japan are conducting joint military exercises, including the upcoming 'Keen Sword' exercise, which will feature the participation of Australian, British, Canadian, and French forces.
