China slams Japan’s ‘kill network’ as long-range missile deployment looms

The official newspaper of the People’s Liberation Army has condemned Japan’s deployment of stand-off weapons, including upgraded Type-12 missiles, accusing it of creating a “kill network” capable of targeting both coastal and inland areas of neighbouring countries.

The enhanced Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles are set to be deployed at Camp Kengun in Japan’s southwestern Kumamoto prefecture by the end of this month.

On Tuesday, the PLA Daily reported that the upgraded Type-12 missile featured a significantly increased range of about 1,000km (621 miles) – up from its original 200km – along with “distinct offensive capabilities and strong stealth performance”.

If deployed from the island of Kyushu, where Kumamoto is located, the upgraded Type-12 missiles could cover nearly the entire East China Sea and reach coastal cities in mainland China, with the aim of deterring PLA naval forces in a potential Taiwan Strait conflict.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China, to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States and Japan, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.