Beijing criticises Japan's first-time serviced missiles which hold offensive capabilities

已複製連結

Japan's Defense Ministry says long-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities have been brought into service for the first time at two Ground Self-Defense Force bases.

Beijing had earlier criticised Japan for having stripped their pretension of "self-defence."

Kyodo News reported the deployment of the missiles at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture, and Camp Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture.

That marks a shift from the country's long-standing defense-oriented policy under its war-renouncing Constitution.

Camp Kengun's upgraded Type 12 land-to-ship guided missile can fly about 1,000 kilometres, covering coastal areas of China and North Korea.

Camp Fuji is reportedly working to upgrade its hyper velocity gliding projectiles to around 2,000 kilometres in range.

Local residents staged protests, holding placards reading "No missiles needed."

Protesters expressed concern that the deployment could turn the area into a potential military target.