How Japanese hard power diplomacy is on rise

Japan’s plan to deploy a medium-range missile unit on Yonaguni Island marks a significant escalation in its defence strategy amid rising tensions with China over Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. The island’s location—Japan’s closest point to Taiwan—makes it a critical hub for surveillance, electronic warfare, and joint Japan-US military operations. China has sharply criticised the move, especially after PM Takaichi’s remarks framing a Taiwan attack as an “existential threat.” The spat has extended into economic domains, affecting tourism, trade, and bilateral ties. As Japan strengthens hard power diplomacy, rebuilding stable China-Japan relations will require deeper dialogue, coordination, and strategic restraint.