Stress and Fear Rise on Militarized Yonaguni Island Near Taiwan

Yonaguni, a small Japanese island, faces stress and fear due to increasing militarization as tensions rise in the region. The population is shrinking, yet military exercises and installations are expanding to enhance defense against potential threats from China, particularly related to Taiwan. This situation has divided the community, raising concerns over environmental impacts and the possibility of conflict. Residents grapple with the implications of their unique geopolitical position and call for peaceful development alternatives.

Stress and concern prevail on Yonaguni, a small island in Japan’s southwestern region, as its military presence expands amidst heightened tensions related to Taiwan. Recently transformed from pastoral landscapes to military installations, the island now plays a crucial role in Japan’s defense strategy, particularly due to its proximity to Taiwan, only 110 kilometers away.
The island’s demographics are in flux; with a population of less than 1,500, local residents are grappling with the implications of ongoing militarization. Supporters advocate for military expansion as essential for economic safety, while opponents, including innkeeper Fumie Kano, warn that such developments may harm the environment and provoke conflict instead.
Japan is enhancing its military capabilities, deploying missile units and radar systems to strengthen defenses against perceived threats from China. Coastal units were established, and military exercises with the U.S. have intensified, contributing to local anxiety over the potential for conflict as global tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait.
The fishing community is notably affected, reporting restrictions on their activities due to escalated military drills from China. Fisherman Shigenori Takenishi expressed the precariousness of their situation, stating the threat of military action looms large on their livelihoods, as close encounters with foreign military exercises evoke memories of past conflicts.
Residents like shopkeeper Takako Ueno voice their fears about transforming Yonaguni into a battleground, drawing parallels to historical traumas such as the Battle of Okinawa. Mayor Kenichi Itokazu argues for fortification as a necessary step in ensuring the island’s safety amid increasing regional hostilities.
Compounding local apprehension is the state’s evacuation plan, which raises doubts among citizens like Kano about its feasibility during a conflict. They advocate instead for investments that ensure peace and the flourishing of life on the idyllic island rather than preparing for war.

The militarization of Yonaguni reflects broader geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Taiwan’s status amidst China’s territorial ambitions. Local residents face conflicting emotions over military installations that could promise safety or signal imminent conflict. Historical burdens and current vulnerabilities inflame fears about the island’s future, emphasizing a need for careful consideration of military expansion versus alternative approaches to ensure community stability and safety.

Original Source: apnews.com