Published：Jun 20, 04:37Last updated：Jun 29, 16:50

US-Japan Military Drills Escalate Regional Tensions

Jun. 20, 2026 04:37

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Marine Corps began the Resolute Dragon field exercise focused on island defense skills. The drill is taking place in Kyushu and Okinawa. The exercise aims to enhance joint operational capabilities. It started on June 20, 2026.

Summarized

18News

11Media

Jun. 29, 2026 13:00

In June 2026, Japan and the US conducted large-scale joint military exercises in the Western Pacific, focusing on island seizure and maritime blockade. The exercises included the deployment of the 'Typhon' missile system in Japan, raising concerns about regional stability and escalating tensions.

Jun. 29, 2026 16:50

Recent Japan-US joint military exercises, including 'Resolute Dragon 2026' and 'Valiant Shield 2026,' focused on island-seizing and maritime封锁, reflecting heightened offensive postures. The deployment of the US 'Typhon' missile system in Japan further escalates tensions, targeting neighboring countries. Analysts warn such actions undermine regional stability and reflect Cold War-era confrontation strategies.

The US and Japan have launched their largest joint military exercises in years, featuring unprecedented deployments of advanced missile systems and nearly 10,000 personnel across multiple drills. The simultaneous 'Resolute Dragon-2026' and 'Valiant Shield 2026' exercises focus on island defense and maritime control scenarios, with the US preparing to station Typhon missile systems in Japan long-term as a deterrent against China. These developments have drawn sharp criticism from regional powers and warnings about escalating arms races. Huanqiu+2

🚀 Typhon Missile Deployment

The US Army is deploying its Typhon missile system to Kanoya Air Base during exercises, with plans for long-term placement in Japan. The 1,600km-range system can reach Beijing from Kyushu and is being transported to the Southwest Islands as part of Japan's strategic shift toward strengthening its southwestern defenses. China has condemned the move as destabilizing to regional security. The Japan Times+2

🎯 Combined Exercise Operations

Over 9,600 US and Japanese troops are participating in drills featuring Japan's maritime transport group and new anti-ship missile units. The exercises include night reconnaissance operations using drones in Kagoshima Prefecture and focus on rapid deployment capabilities for island defense scenarios, particularly concerning Taiwan. Both nations are testing advanced weaponry integration and offensive postures. China.org+2

⚔️ Rising Strategic Tensions

The exercises have sparked protests from Japanese citizens and warnings from experts about escalating military tensions. Critics argue the drills, including simulated ship attacks and maritime blockade scenarios, reveal preparation for conflict rather than deterrence. China views the Typhon deployment as particularly provocative amid growing US-China tensions. Huanqiu+2

🏗️ Long-Term Strategic Shift

Japan plans to store the Typhon systems at a US base after October exercises conclude, signaling a permanent intermediate-range missile capability. This development comes as both nations seek to counter China's military assertiveness, with Japan pursuing greater autonomy while the US pushes for alliance cost-sharing. The moves risk undermining regional stability and arms control frameworks. The Japan Times+2

Kanoya Air BaseUS Marine CorpsResolute Dragon-26Typhon missile systemGround Self-Defense Force