According to a media report, Japan’s protective power, the US, wants to deploy a rapid reaction force in southern Japan in view of China’s growing military operations in the East China Sea. It is intended to defend remote islands in southwest Japan, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported today, citing diplomatic sources.
The Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) is expected to be formed within a few years as part of the Marine Corps realignment in the prefecture of the island of Okinawa, Japan, where the bulk of US troops are stationed in the country.
Japan expands military cooperation
Japan wants to further strengthen military cooperation with its protective power, the US, and partners in Europe, in view of China’s growing bid for power in the region. To that end, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is holding talks in Europe and the US this week.
Kishida meets US President Joe Biden in Washington on Friday. To better defend its islands facing China in the event of a conflict over Taiwan, Japan is considering establishing dozens of ammunition and weapons depots on these remote islands, according to a recent media report.
Historical change of course
Japan is currently experiencing a historic shift in its security policy and intends to massively increase its defense spending. For the first time, the country wants to acquire offensive weapons, such as cruise missiles, that can hit potential targets in China. The defense budget is expected to reach two percent of the country’s economic output, up from the previous one percent.