Asia-Pacific Security — 2026-04-01

Chinese Navy Enters Sea of Japan as Tokyo Deploys First Long-Range Missiles

A Chinese naval fleet entered the Sea of Japan on the same day Japan completed deployment of upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto prefecture. The missiles, with a 1,000km range capable of reaching mainland China, represent a fivefold increase from the original 200km range. Japan simultaneously deployed a hypersonic glide vehicle at Camp Fuji. China condemned the deployments as examples of "neo-militarism" threatening regional peace.

Analysis
China's naval presence in the Sea of Japan on the same day Japan deployed 1,000km-range missiles capable of reaching mainland China is not coincidental. Both sides are establishing new baseline postures. Japan's simultaneous deployment of hypersonic glide vehicles at Camp Fuji represents the most significant offensive capability upgrade since the postwar constitution was reinterpreted.
2 sources
  1. Chinese navy arrives in Sea of Japan just as Tokyo deploys long-range missiles - South China Morning Post
  2. Japan Deploys Its First Long-Range Missiles - Military.com

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