US unveils new missile bases amid Taiwan tensions
The Kyodo agency reported, citing sources familiar with Japanese-American relations, that in response to the growing tensions around Taiwan, the United States plans to open temporary bases on the Japanese Ryukyu Islands and deploy missile units there.
The planned actions are part of the first joint US-Japan strategy for a sudden Taiwan situation. The document is expected to be finalized in December of this year.
American troops equipped with HIMARS missile systems are set to be deployed on the uninhabited islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago, which stretches from Kagoshima Prefecture through Okinawa to Taiwan.
Not only Taiwan. The Philippines enter the game
The Japanese Self-Defense Forces will play a logistical support role for the US Marine Corps, providing fuel and ammunition. At the same time, there are plans to deploy long-range fire units of the US multi-domain forces in the Philippines.
In February of last year, the US and the Philippines agreed to increase the number of bases available to the US military from five to nine. These facilities would be used in case of escalating tensions around Taiwan.
China claims that Taiwan is an "eternal" part of the People's Republic of China, although it has never exercised control over it. Chinese leader Xi Jinping insists that the "unification of the homeland" is "inevitable" and describes it as a condition for realizing the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" project. He does not rule out the use of military force.
Taiwan - a silent ally of Ukraine
Taiwan is under close observation by the US due to its relations with China. An attack on Taiwan could end very badly at this time. According to American Admiral Samuel Paparo, the US ammunition supplies are significantly depleted due to ongoing support for Ukraine and Israel.
However, supporting Ukraine is necessary, believes former President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen.
In her opinion, helping Ukraine should be treated as a priority by the United States. Moreover, for China, in practice, it could serve as a kind of "deterrent."
Ukraine's victory will serve as the most effective deterrent against future aggression, Tsai stated.
Taiwan's authorities recently supported Ukraine by donating power generators and laptops. This kind of aid is intended to strengthen Ukraine's energy infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
