• Source:JND

Beijing has reacted sharply to Japan's decision to station advanced Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles at Camp Kengun in southwester Kumamoto. The People's Liberation Army has condemned Japan's decision, warning that the type-12 missiles deployment could create a lethal "Kill network" capable of striking both coastal and inland targets of neighboring nations.

Strengthening Long-Range Defense

Japan is aggressively expanding its long-range strike capabilities amid escalating tensions in East China Sea. Central to this strategy is the upgraded Type-12 missile. While the original version had a modest range of 200 km, the PLA claims the enhanced variant now boasts a strike range of approximately 1,000 km (621 miles).

These upgraded missiles are designed with advance stealth performance and offensive precision and developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

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Experts suggest that placing these batteries on Kyushu Island effectively places the entire East China Sea within reach, including several of China's key coastal cities. The primary tactical goal is to deter or block Chinese naval advancements in the event of a conflict near Taiwan.

Concerns Raised By The PLA

A report by Hua Dan and Zhang Li from the PLA Army Engineering University highlights China's strategic anxieties. According to their analysis:

Strategic Reach: The missiles provide Japan with specific offensive capabilities that can neutralise maritime threats far from its shores.

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Stealth And Precision: The upgraded Type-12 is harder to detect and highly maneuverable.

Taiwan Contingency: Beijing fears that Japan will use these assets to intervene militarily should China attempt to seize Taiwan by force.

Taiwan Standoff And Hypersonic Future

The friction stems from China’s claim over Taiwan, which it threatens to take by force if necessary. Conversely, Japan and the US remain staunchly opposed to any unilateral change to the status quo. Tokyo has signaled that it would consider military intervention if Taiwan were attacked.

Furthermore, the PLA report expresses concern over Japan’s broader missile roadmap. Tokyo plans to integrate the Type-12 with Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectiles (HVGP) to create a multifaceted strike force. Reports indicate that Japan also intends to deploy hypersonic glide weapons at Camp Fuji, with initial ranges of 500–900 km, eventually scaling up to a massive 3,000 km.


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