JapanRìběn日本for the first timeshǒucì首次to deploybùshǔ部署long-rangeyuǎnchéng远程counter-strikefǎnjī反击missilesdǎodàn导弹，the Chinese sideZhōng fāng中方to criticizepīpíng批评itsqí其to exceed / to go beyondchāoyuè超越exclusively defensive posture (Japanese defense doctrine)zhuān shǒu fáng wèi专守防卫scope / boundariesfànchóu范畴。
April 1, 2026 at 6:00 AM
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China & WorldJapan Deploys Long-Range Counter-Strike Missiles for First Time as China Protests
Japan announced the first deployment of new long-range counter-strike missiles at Kumamoto and Shizuoka bases on March 31st, marking a major shift in its post-war military strategy. China immediately criticized the move as exceeding the exclusively defensive posture principle.
On March 31, Japan Ministry of Defense announced having completed first batch deployment of new long-range counter-strike missiles at military bases in Kumamoto Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture. This deployment includes upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles with range significantly increased from original 200 kilometers to 1,000 kilometers. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated Japan faces post-war most severe security environment. Deploying long-range counter-strike capability is of critical importance for strengthening deterrence. According to plans, later in 2026 will also equip Chokai-class destroyer with Tomahawk-type cruise missiles with range reaching 1,600 kilometers. Additionally, missile deployment work in Hokkaido and Miyazaki Prefecture is also planned to complete by March 2028. Regarding these measures, China Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson clearly criticized stating Japan missile deployment has exceeded self-defense boundaries, expressing serious concern. China believes Japan actions contradict its exclusively defensive posture security policy principle, potentially further intensifying regional tense situation. Observers noted Japan military transformation originates from 2022 released new National Security Strategy, which first granted Self-Defense Forces counter-strike capability. Analysts believe this deployment not only will change Asia-Pacific strategic power configuration but also will have far-reaching impact on China-Japan relations and regional security architecture.
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