US Military Expands Operations on Japan’s Yonaguni Island Amid Tensions

Tensions surrounding Taiwan have prompted the United States to enhance military operations on Yonaguni Island, Japan’s westernmost point, situated just 112 kilometers from Taiwan. Reports indicate that the US Marine Corps has significantly increased its presence on the island, aligning with its strategic initiatives within the First Island Chain. This development, confirmed by Naval News, marks a critical shift in the region as the US seeks to bolster deterrence against potential Chinese aggression.

The US military’s activities on Yonaguni have included logistical missions that began in September 2025. These operations involved offloading vital supplies, such as medical equipment and disaster response materials, at Kubura Port. The exercises, conducted under the banner of Resolute Dragon 2025, were coordinated with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). A notable milestone occurred in October when a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) was established, allowing CH-53E heavy-lift helicopters to operate in this strategic area for the first time.

While US officials emphasize the humanitarian assistance aspects of these missions, the island’s proximity to Taiwan enhances its importance as a military asset. Its infrastructure, including ports and runways, positions Yonaguni as a critical node for potential reinforcement operations or defense measures against China. The military presence was further underscored by a recent barge mission in November, demonstrating ongoing activity and commitment to the area.

The strategic significance of Yonaguni is highlighted by its location on China’s “First Island Defense Line,” serving as a key point for surveillance and anti-access operations. With its capabilities, the island could facilitate US missile systems and anti-submarine efforts, providing a staging ground for potential operations should tensions escalate in the Taiwan Strait.

Despite its advantages, Yonaguni’s small size—only 28 square kilometers—limits the deployment of larger military systems. For instance, the US Typhon, equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, may not be feasible due to the infrastructure constraints. Instead, smaller systems like the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), capable of striking targets up to 185 kilometers away, are more suitable for the island’s austere environment.

The presence of NMESIS on Yonaguni could provide coverage for key maritime routes, including the Miyako Strait, a crucial passage for Chinese naval forces. This positioning is vital as it could impact potential amphibious operations near northern Taiwan. Furthermore, Yonaguni is integral to the US “Fish Hook” underwater sensor network, enhancing maritime awareness in the region.

While the US has made strategic gains, challenges remain. The Department of Defense (DoD) 2024 China Military Power Report indicates that China maintains a substantial fleet of 48 conventionally-powered submarines. Reports by Sarah Kirchberger from the China Maritime Studies Institute highlight ongoing submarine production capabilities in Chinese shipyards, which could pose a significant threat to US and allied operations in the event of conflict.

In scenarios where US forces may need to retake Taiwan, Yonaguni could serve as a staging area; however, the risks of such operations are significant. Historical military campaigns illustrate the challenges and potential losses involved in high-stakes conflict. The island’s vulnerability to attacks, especially from Chinese drones, complicates its role as a secure military asset.

Research conducted by Stacie Pettyjohn and Molly Campbell for the Center for a New American Security notes that simulated attacks on Yonaguni could force US forces into a defensive posture, potentially depleting their interceptor capabilities. Furthermore, the island’s limited infrastructure poses vulnerabilities, with only one civilian airport available for military operations.

Experts highlight that Chinese missile attacks could disrupt operations by damaging runways, significantly limiting US air capabilities. As noted by Thomas Shugart III and Timothy Walton in a Hudson Institute report, the lack of investment in hardened defenses may further expose US forces to initial strikes, complicating their ability to respond effectively.

While Yonaguni enhances the US and Japan’s military reach into the Taiwan Strait, its fragile infrastructure and strategic vulnerabilities raise concerns about its effectiveness in prolonged conflicts. The evolving dynamics in the region suggest that while Yonaguni may serve as a forward asset, it also carries risks that could impact the broader security landscape in the First Island Chain.