The United States has been enhancing its military presence on Yonaguni Island, Japan’s westernmost outpost, amid growing concerns over China’s increasing assertiveness, particularly regarding Taiwan. Located just 112 kilometers from Taiwan, Yonaguni plays a vital role in the U.S. military’s strategy for regional deterrence and defense.
According to recent reports, the U.S. Marine Corps has significantly ramped up operations on the island, conducting multiple logistical missions since September 2025. These missions have involved offloading medical supplies, disaster relief equipment and other vital resources as part of joint exercises with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), such as Resolute Dragon 2025. Notably, in October 2025, U.S. forces established a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) on the island, marking a significant milestone as CH-53E heavy-lift helicopters operated in this far-southwest region of Japan for the first time.
While U.S. officials have framed their presence as a focus on humanitarian aid and disaster relief, Yonaguni’s strategic location makes it a critical asset in the event of a crisis in the Taiwan Strait. Its proximity to Taiwan, along with its infrastructure of ports and runways, enables rapid reinforcement or denial operations against China.
The island’s small size, just 28 square kilometers, limits the deployment of large military systems, such as the U.S. Typhon, which is armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles. However, smaller systems like the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), which has a 185-kilometer range, could be stationed there. Such systems could help secure vital maritime chokepoints, including the Miyako Strait, which is crucial for China’s naval access to the Pacific.
Yonaguni also serves as an integral part of the U.S. “Fish Hook” underwater sensor network, which stretches across the First Island Chain. The network plays a key role in detecting Chinese submarine activity, particularly in light of the growing threat from China’s large fleet of conventionally-powered submarines. According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Defense, China now operates 48 of these submarines, with plans for further production. This vast fleet poses a significant challenge for U.S. and allied anti-submarine operations, especially in the narrow waters of the Miyako Strait.
Despite its strategic importance, Yonaguni Island faces numerous vulnerabilities. The island’s lack of hardened infrastructure and limited space for large-scale deployments could hinder its effectiveness in a protracted conflict. A recent report highlighted the potential threat posed by Chinese drone swarms, which could force U.S. forces to adopt a defensive posture. Additionally, Yonaguni’s single civilian airport could be targeted in missile attacks, severely impacting the U.S. military’s ability to launch or recover aircraft.
Some experts have raised concerns that, while Yonaguni offers key operational advantages, its exposed position could make it a liability. In a scenario where China escalates tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the island’s physical fragility and vulnerability to missile or drone attacks could significantly limit its usefulness.
As the U.S. bolsters its military presence on the island, Yonaguni’s role in the First Island Chain remains uncertain. While it offers an important forward base for regional operations, its vulnerability to modern threats, such as Chinese missile and drone capabilities, poses a challenge to long-term military strategy in the region.
Asia Pacific Newslog 