Japan to allow ground forces across nation to deploy near Okinawa

Tokyo seeks flexibility as concern over potential Taiwan crisis spurs SDF overhaul

Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conduct a drill on Miyako Island in Okinawa prefecture. Japan is upgrading remote island defenses to prepare for a potential Taiwan crisis. © Reuters

RYO NEMOTO, Nikkei staff writer

January 7, 2023 16:24 JST

TOKYO -- Japan will reorganize the Ground Self-Defense Force so it can deploy all units nationwide to protect the southwestern Nansei Islands, looking to bolster the country's defenses amid growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait.