Japan's Patriot-missile transfer to U.S. stuns Indo-Pacific watchers

Biden's focus on Ukraine undermines deterrence against China, analysts say

U.S. Army soldiers perform pre-launch checks on a Patriot missile launcher at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Air Force)

KEN MORIYASU, Nikkei Asia diplomatic correspondent

December 23, 2023 08:11 JST

WASHINGTON -- Japan's decision to ship Patriot missiles to the U.S. to help backfill stocks of air-defense systems for Ukraine has surprised analysts focusing on Indo-Pacific affairs.

Many have questioned the rationale of taking weapons out of the Indo-Pacific for a battle in Europe when the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has said all along that China is the pacing threat.