According to Japan’s Kyodo news agency, the US is preparing backup plans for military deployments in Japan and the Philippines in the event of a Taiwan-related crisis.
According to people familiar with US-Japan relations, they will be included in the first joint action plan that is developed in December, Kyodo announced late Sunday.
The multiple-launch HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System)-equipped US Third Marine Littoral Regiment would be stationed around the Nansei island chain in Japan, which stretches from Kyushu to Yonaguni close to Taiwan, according to Kyodo.
Temporary bases will be established on inhabited islands in accordance with US military directives for sending marines in small formations to multiple areas if a Taiwan situation becomes extremely likely, the source further stated.
According to the statement, Japan’s military is anticipated to mostly provide the maritime unit with logistical support, such as gasoline and ammunition.
Kyodo also stated that the US Army would send long-range fire units from the Multi-Domain Task Force to the Philippines.
The defence ministries of the Philippines and Japan were not immediately accessible for comment. While the Chinese embassy in Manila “noted” the Kyodo article, the US embassy declined to comment.
China is increasing its military might and applying more pressure to Taiwan, a self-governing territory that it claims.
Washington has been reinforcing its regional ties while angering Beijing with frequent fighter jet and ship deployments in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
