The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has stationed around 570 personnel with Type 03 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) and Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM) systems at a new garrison on Ishigaki Island, which is strategically located close to Taiwan and the disputed Senkaku Islands, as part of Japan's response to China's increasing aggression.
Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki said he opposes Tokyo s reported plans to position missile batteries capable of striking parts of China and North Korea within the southern island chain.