Japan Quietly Prepares Bomb Shelters Near Taiwan Amid China Tensions

As China becomes more aggressive in the Pacific and continues to challenge Taiwan’s independence, Japan is quietly preparing for conflict. Beginning next year, Japan will build bomb shelters on its remote southwestern islands near Taiwan. These islands could be at risk if Beijing attacks.

Japan Responds to Growing Security Threats

Japan’s decision shows that it is taking the regional threat seriously. As Newsweek reported, Japan already hosts more U.S. troops than any other foreign country. Because of this strong alliance, any US-China war would likely involve Japan. Recent global conflicts, like those in West Asia, also show how such wars can easily spread.

China’s Pressure on Taiwan Alarms Japan

China has increased its pressure on democratic, self-governed Taiwan. Although Taipei rejects Beijing’s claims, China insists that Taiwan is part of its territory. Moreover, China has not ruled out using force to take control of the island.

In fact, in 2022, Chinese missiles landed near Yonaguni, one of Japan’s westernmost islands. This event deeply worried residents and pushed Tokyo to increase its military presence in the area.

Japan’s Shelter Plan Begins in 2025

In response, Japan will start building emergency shelters in the Sakishima Islands, part of the Nansei chain, starting in 2025. The first shelters will be on Yonaguni Island, which is just 70 miles from Taiwan.

As reported by the Nikkei newspaper, Japan also plans to build more shelters by spring 2028 on Iriomote, Ishigaki, Tarama, and Miyako islands. These shelters will allow people to stay for up to two weeks in case of emergencies.

Evacuation Will Not Be Easy

Japan hopes to move civilians from these islands to the mainland before any fighting begins. However, officials warn that evacuating over 100,000 people by sea and air may take at least a week. So, the bomb shelters will provide temporary protection during any delay.

U.S. Backs Japan’s Defensive Strategy

Japan’s actions are not based on assumptions. In fact, U.S. intelligence says Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered his army to prepare for a forced takeover of Taiwan by 2027. Still, many experts question whether China will act on this plan, as it also depends on political decisions.

U.S. Warns of Imminent Attack

Recently, at the Singapore Defence Summit, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said China was “rehearsing for the real deal” and warned that an attack “could be imminent.” Beijing quickly denied these claims and accused the U.S. of “stoking regional tensions.”