Okinawa still strategically key and China knows it

Recent movements of Chinese naval vessels have clearly raised significant concerns in Japan regarding a potential naval blockade near Okinawa in the East China Sea.

This clearly demonstrates Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the region. Japanese analysts assert that these military exercises are part of China’s strategic plan to isolate Taiwan, significantly threatening Japan’s territorial security.

On December 22, six Chinese vessels, including navy and armed coastguard ships, confidently conducted operations in the Miyako Strait. This 250-kilometer-wide passage, which separates Okinawa’s main island from Taiwan, served as a strategic route for the fleet as they maneuvered into the East China Sea. This operation showcased their strong joint naval and coastguard capabilities.

The Miyako Strait is a crucial chokepoint in the East China Sea, connecting the Pacific Ocean to mainland Asia. A Chinese blockade could impede the movement of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and its allies, limiting their response to regional crises. The strait is also near Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands, administered by Japan but claimed by China.

Chinese coastguard vessels frequently patrol waters around these islands, increasing tensions with Tokyo. These activities are part of China’s goal to assert control over Taiwan, which Beijing considers its territory. China has vowed to reunify Taiwan with the mainland, potentially using force. A blockade in the Miyako Strait could isolate Taiwan and deter international intervention during a conflict.

Concerns have emerged about China potentially using Okinawa’s outlying islands to pressure Japan into inaction. Such a move would likely trigger the Japan-US Security Treaty, escalating the conflict. In response, Japan is fortifying its southwestern islands, including a Self-Defense Forces base with missile batteries on Miyakojima.

These defenses aim to deter incursions and safeguard critical waterways. Tokyo has raised concerns over Chinese actions, including the discovery of a buoy with Chinese writing in Japan’s exclusive economic zone. This buoy, equipped with meteorological equipment, exemplifies Beijing’s “salami-slicing” tactics to gradually assert control over disputed territories.

The United States and Japan have joined forces to contain China’s naval ambitions within the “first island chain,” which includes Taiwan, Okinawa, and the Philippines. They seek to prevent China from developing a global naval presence. However, China’s recent joint naval patrols with Russia, incursions near Japanese waters, and ocean floor mapping operations reveal its intention to expand its influence.

Under President Xi Jinping, China has ramped up military activities in the East and South China Seas, focusing on enhancing its naval capabilities. Japan remains alert to the risk of confrontations and is strengthening alliances, military readiness, and asserting its territorial rights in response to Beijing’s pressure. Recent Chinese naval exercises near Okinawa highlight the shifting security dynamics in East Asia.

Beijing is testing the resolve of its neighbors and asserting its territorial ambitions through military and coast guard operations. Japan faces the challenge of responding decisively while minimizing escalation. Cooperation between Japan, the U.S., and other allies is essential for maintaining stability and ensuring free, secure international waters.

The country known as the “Red Dragon” is China.

Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

Revelation 12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

Revelation 12:7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

Revelation 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

James 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

Luke 21:9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and diseases; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Revelations 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

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