US withdraws missile system from Japan amid Beijing-Tokyo tensions
What's the story
The United States has withdrawn its Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile launcher system from Japan, according to Japanese media. The system was stationed at the Iwakuni base in Yamaguchi prefecture for the US-Japan "Resolute Dragon 2025" joint exercise. The withdrawal comes at a time when tensions are flaring between Beijing and Tokyo over comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on potential military intervention in a Taiwan Strait contingency.
System details
Typhon missile system's capabilities
The Typhon MRC can launch Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and SM-6 air defense missiles with a range of up to 1,800km. This range would allow it to target major Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai if launched from Japan. The US had deployed this system in Japan for the first time to test rapid wartime transitions, but both China and Russia protested its deployment at Iwakuni base.
Official statement
Japan's defense minister addresses missile system withdrawal
Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada confirmed the removal of the US missile system. At the time of deployment, Japan's Defense Ministry said that it was a temporary stationing and the Typhon would be withdrawn around a week after the exercise's conclusion on September 25. However, the missile system remained until at least November 10, when civic groups in the Yamaguchi and Hiroshima prefectures reportedly petitioned for its removal.
Developments
Increasing friction between Beijing and Tokyo
Tensions between China and Japan have surged in the past week, after Takaichi defined a Taiwan contingency involving the use of military force as a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan. She said such a situation would allow Tokyo to engage in military action alongside US forces. In response, Beijing issued a travel warning for Japan, canceled a series of exchange events, and lodged repeated diplomatic representations, while saying that Takaichi's remarks were "seriously damaging bilateral ties and challenging post-war international order."
Trump's stance
What Trump said
Last week, when he was asked about Takaichi's remarks and it was pointed out that China was not a friend of the US, President Donald Trump replied that "a lot of our allies are not friends either." He added that many had "taken advantage of our trade more than China did." The US also deployed a Typhon system in the northern Philippines during a joint exercise last year, which has since remained in place.