Chinese activities near Japanese island escalate tensions

The growing Chinese aggression around the Japanese territory of Yonaguni Island has escalated the tension between the two Asian giants in the volatile Taiwan Strait region. After frequent incidences of maritime incursions by Chinese vessels, Chinese defence forces recently were found to have placed a buoy near Yonaguni Island. All this has alarmed Tokyo which now has begun building up a military presence.

The concerns arise from the perception of southwestern Yonaguni Island as being the frontline in case of military clashes over the Taiwan issue. This island has strategic importance thanks to its proximity to both China and Taiwan. This has led Japan to militarise the area in recent years. It is now upgrading the weaponry on the island amid growing aggressiveness by Chinese forces.

While the Chinese buoy may look harmless, it may be used for nefarious activities. Experts warned that it can be used by the Chinese Navy for surveillance purposes and to study the speed and direction of ocean currents, and water temperatures. Notably, Chinese balloons that flew over the US were believed to be used for spying as they had high-tech sensors and a controlled navigation system.

There has been a significant increase in Chinese activities in the past four years since the number of passages of the Chinese Navy through the Yonaguni Channel increased from zero in 2020 to 18 in 2024. In 2022, China fired several ballistic missiles near the Yonaguni Island. “It was an extremely dangerous exercise that really made us feel China’s potential threat right next to us,” said Shigenori Takenishi, chief of Yonaguni’s fisheries association.

In September 2024, the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and two destroyers came close to the island even as research ships frequently sail through the Yonaguni Channel. Hiroshi Moriya, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary for the Japanese government, had expressed “serious concerns” and called it “utterly unacceptable” for the security of Japan. Moreover, Chinese ship-based anti-submarine helicopters are often spotted near Yonaguni Island.

The Chinese navy is strengthening hydrological surveys and anti-submarine warfare operations near Yonaguni Island to protect itself from foreign submarines, said Cheng-kun Ma, a professor at Taiwan’s National Defense University. “It is evident that China is enhancing its anti-submarine capabilities around Yonaguni Island, both in terms of collecting hydrological data and operating naval anti-submarine assets,” he said.

So Japan also has been enhancing security on Yonaguni Island. It has deployed advanced ballistic missiles to counter military aggression from China. An opinion by Chinese expert in the state-run Global Times criticised the move saying it would undermine bilateral relations and exacerbate tensions in the region. “Japan’s strengthening of its military deployment on Yonaguni will only increase the risk of getting involved in unnecessary conflicts,” said Chen Yang, a visiting researcher at Liaoning University.

Japan cannot afford to remain aloof amid growing Chinese aggression near the strategically important island that acts as a maritime chokepoint. Rear Adm. Takuhiro Hiragi, commander of Fleet Air Wing 5 of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, said the forces need to be mobile, quick and thorough to keep tabs on Chinese activities. “We watch over their exercises, not only near Taiwan but wherever necessary,” he said.

Notably, China has refused to remove the buoy. There have been strong sentiments in Japan against the accelerating Chinese activities. “Japan should simply and quickly remove any buoys installed in violation of international law and make China pay the costs,” wrote noted Japanese newspaper Sankei Shimbun.

China does not lay claim on Yonaguni Island. But it has a strategic interest in it thanks to its proximity to Taiwan and contested Senkaku islands. The locals from the island are living in fear. Yonaguni Mayor Kenichi Itokazu said China was provoking Japan by “steadily taking actions” near the island. “They are waiting to see how Japan will react to their provocations. I want the Japanese government to respond firmly to this,” he said.

Local people are scared about potential military conflict arising out of Chinese aggression. “Being at the centre of the problem is very stressful for the residents,” said a local shop owner Takako Ueno. Moriya said Japan would closely monitor Chinese activities and take all possible measures. Mayor Itokazu batted for improving security to counter Chinese attacks, saying “To prevent this from happening, Yonaguni must be fortified.