China ‘well prepared’ as US looks to put Japan in actual combat frontlines

Publié le 12 janvier 2023

he US plans to set up a rapid reaction Marine unit throughout Japan’s Okinawa islands within a few years, media reported on Tuesday, one day ahead of the 2023 US-Japan Security Consultative Committee meeting in Washington, DC. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also plans to talk with US President Joe Biden on January 13 after concluding his ongoing Europe and UK tour.

A saga of diplomatic and military activities suggests that Tokyo and its allies are likely devising a more detailed and actual-combat strategic deployment against China, but China is always well-prepared to meet the challenge, analysts said.

Citing sources, Kyodo News reported on Monday (ET) that a Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR), will be established as part of a realignment of the Marine Corps in Japan’s southwestern island prefecture, which is close to China’s Taiwan region.

The US plans to disperse US Marine units throughout Japan’s Okinawa islands by 2026, equipping them with missiles and lighter gear to « deter China’s military, » Reuters reported Tuesday, citing Japan’s Yomiuri newspaper.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin called on Japan and the US to ensure their military cooperation does not harm the interests of third parties or regional peace and stability.  Lire la suite »