Photo/Illutration A Self-Defense Forces truck apparently loaded with ammunition heads to a new Ground SDF camp on Ishigakijima island in Okinawa Prefecture on March 18 as protesters oppose the deployment. (Taro Ono)

ISHIGAKI, Okinawa Prefecture—The Defense Ministry on March 18 brought ammunition, including possible missiles, to a new Ground Self-Defense Force camp here, drawing protests from residents concerned about their safety.

The camp opened on Ishigakijima island on March 16 as part of Japan’s bolstered defense against China’s heightened maritime activities in the East China Sea.

The Maritime SDF’s transport vessel Osumi arrived at Ishigaki Port around 7 a.m. on March 18 where about 30 people were protesting.

Around 15 vehicles emerged from the vessel and headed to the GSDF camp. They are believed to have been carrying Type-12 surface-to-ship guided missiles and other ordnance.

The protesters fear the deployment of the missile units could make their island the target of a possible attack.

The ministry plans to hold an explanation session for residents about the new GSDF camp on March 22.

Central government and local officials plan to hold an inauguration ceremony for the camp on April 2.

The central government compiled a new defense policy in December that will allow Japan to strike an enemy country’s bases if they are planning to attack Japan.

The Defense Ministry wants the domestically built Type-12 missiles, whose range will be expanded to 1,000 kilometers from the current 200 km, deployed for the new capability.

The ministry has been considering the deployment of GSDF units handling the missiles at the Nansei islands, including Ishigakijima, between the southern tip of the main island of Kyushu and Taiwan.

Some of the units were already set up at other Nansei isles.

Related News