Japan Announces Plan to Evacuate Civilians From Islands Close to Taiwan, In Event of Conflict

For the first time, Japan has outlined plans to evacuate more than 100,000 residents from its remote islands near Taiwan in the event of a military conflict, as tensions between China and Taiwan continue to escalate.

Under the new contingency plan, approximately 110,000 residents and 10,000 tourists from five islands in the Sakishima chain, located in Japan’s far southwest, would be transported to safety within six days using ships and planes, according to the Kyodo news agency.

Mass Relocation Strategy

The evacuees would be moved by private ferries and aircraft to Kyushu, one of Japan’s four main islands, before being sent to accommodations across eight southwestern and western prefectures. Tokyo has also announced plans to conduct evacuation drills on the Sakishima islands starting in April next year to prepare for such a scenario.

The move comes as China continues to ramp up military pressure on Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to “reunify” with the mainland. Given the proximity of Japan’s border islands to Taiwan, officials fear these areas could become directly involved in any potential conflict.

Military Preparations Underway

In addition to evacuation plans, Japan is bolstering its defense capabilities in the region. The government plans to deploy surface-to-air missile units on Yonaguni Island, located just 100 km from Taiwan. The island, which already hosts a Japanese Self-Defense Force base, is also constructing underground shelters stocked with food and water supplies to sustain people for up to two weeks, according to local media reports.

Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani acknowledged growing concerns among island residents, stating in January, “I feel a strong sense of crisis. I want to take all possible measures for the defense of our country,” as reported by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper.

Japan’s latest move underscores its growing concern over regional stability and its determination to protect its citizens in the face of potential conflict. The evacuation plan marks a significant step in Japan’s security strategy as it strengthens its defensive posture amid rising geopolitical tensions in East Asia.