Japan Unveils Evacuation Plan for Southern Islets Amid Escalating Tensions with China

Japan Unveils Evacuation Plan for Southern Islets

In response to the escalating tensions surrounding Taiwan, Japan has unveiled a plan to evacuate approximately 120,000 residents and tourists from its southern islets near Taiwan within six days in the event of an "emergency."

The plan, developed by the government's crisis management office, acknowledges the "severe" security situation and outlines the evacuation of residents from five Japanese islets close to Taiwan. While the specific nature of the "emergency" remains unspecified, the plan clearly anticipates a potential escalation in the region.

The evacuation plan relies on a combination of military vessels, private ferries, and airplanes to transport people from the islets to Kyushu island, located at the southwestern end of the Japanese archipelago. This mobilization will more than double the usual transportation capacity, ensuring the swift and efficient evacuation of the population within six days.

The plan's development comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with China claiming Taiwan as part of its territory and increasing its military pressure, including frequent air incursions. The Pentagon's annual report to Congress in December 2023 noted China's intensified diplomatic, political, and military pressure against Taiwan, as well as an increase in Chinese planes crossing the Taiwan Strait centerline.