Japan Prepares to Defend Against Chinese Invasion

From The Japan Times comes this story describing Japanese Defense Agency plans. Documents were found (leak? negligence? intentional?) that indicate 7,200 ground troops will be deployed to protect Japan's southernmost islands from invading Chinese forces in the event of a conflict between China and Taiwan.

The three southern islands targeted for invasion under the assumption are Miyako Island, Ishigaki Island and Yonaguni Island, according to the documents.

The documents reckon Miyako and nearby islands are likely to be targeted because an Air Self-Defense Force radar base and two airports are located in the area.

The office assumes China might invade Yonaguni Island, the westernmost part of Japan and 100 km from Taiwan, as a stepping stone to attack Taiwan.

It also assumes that China would attack the islands by sea and air, with marine forces landing from assault ships as well as airborne units and special forces attacking ASDF bases and airports, the documents show.

Sources said the documents were compiled in November as part of a shift in focus by the Ground Self-Defense Force to place more emphasis on security tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the Taiwan Strait.

The change in strategy will send a signal to the Chinese. It's unkown how they will respond.