Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel and US Marine Corps personnel attend a ceremony on the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Kengun base in Kumamoto, Japan, June 20, 2026. /VCG
The ongoing sequence of US-Japan navy workouts in southwestern Japan has sparked opposition from native residents and raised issues about regional stability, with critics warning that the drills might additional heighten tensions between Japan and neighboring nations.
Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force and the US Marine Corps commenced the Resolute Dragon discipline train for the so-called “island defense” expertise on Saturday, set to proceed via June 30 throughout the Kyushu area in southwestern Japan and Okinawa Prefecture, Nikkei Asia reported.
Meanwhile, the US military’s Typhon mid-range missile system was briefly deployed to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture for the US-hosted Valiant Shield 2026, which started on Monday, in accordance with Asahi Shimbun.
Besides, the biennial “Rim of the Pacific” (RIMPAC) naval train will probably be held from June 24 to July 31 in Hawaii and surrounding waters, with 31 nations taking part. Japan will even participate and function deputy commander of the joint activity pressure through the train.
The deliberate workouts have triggered robust opposition and concern amongst members of the Japanese public, with protesters calling for an finish to the drills and warning that they may additional escalate regional tensions.
A resident in Tokyo advised China Media Group (CMG) that underneath the banner of “enhancing defense capability,” Japan and the US are competing to strengthen navy energy.Â
“I don’t think this brings any benefit. It only deliberately escalates tensions. Instead of this, diplomatic efforts should come first to resolve issues.”
A view of the US military’s Typhon mid-range missile system. /CMG
Residents additionally expressed robust opposition to the deployment of the US Typhon intermediate-range missile system in Kagoshima Prefecture, saying it might solely heighten regional tensions.
One protester advised CMG that native residents oppose the missile deployment and have been repeatedly protesting, however Japan’s Ministry of Defense is ignoring public calls for and pushing forward with the plan. “Although the suppression is intense, we will not yield and will fight firmly to the end.”
Public intellectuals have additionally expressed opposition. Takakage Fujita, secretary-general of the Association for Inheriting and Propagating the Murayama Statement, advised CMG that Japan is continuous to construct missile bases throughout its southwestern islands regardless of native resistance.
He warned that such actions could lead on different nations to consider Japan is getting ready for warfare, thereby rising regional navy tensions. He added that these developments are undermining peace and safety within the area and are a “foolish” plan of action.
Military commentator Wei Dongxu advised CMG that Japan’s successive participation in main navy workouts signifies an try to arrange for potential offensive operations within the Western Pacific, which require sustained large-scale coaching to boost island-seizure and maritime warfare capabilities.
Wei famous that the Typhon missile system is being briefly deployed to Kanoya Air Base, including that the situation of the deployment suggests shut coordination between the US and Japan to strengthen firepower deterrence and maritime chokepoint management within the southwestern islands.
Through steady participation in joint workouts and strengthened exterior navy cooperation, the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ intentions for “preparing for war” are apparent, undermining regional peace and disrupting regional order, Wei stated.
Source: CGTN