In December 2022, Japan unveiled its largest military buildup since World War 2 - taking aim at China’s growing military assertiveness in the region. But Japan’s military expansion and efforts to contain China began long before that. Michiyo Ishida was given access to Japan’s new military bases on the Ryukyu islands in the southernmost part of the country where she witnessed Japanese efforts to put up a defence barrier in the East China Sea. Under Japan’s new national security policy, missile units capable of reaching as far as China will be deployed on new military bases on the southern islands by 2026. Officials say Japan will be safer with the new deterrence power. But the military buildup has stoked fears among locals.

00:00 Japan’s new military bases on its southern islands
08:40 Islanders fear the return of spectre of war
14:29 Taiwan emergency could turn Senkaku/Diaoyu into battleground

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About CNA Correspondent: Highlights of news stories and features by CNA's network of Correspondents based in major cities across the region.
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