Okinawa Islands Prepare for Potential Conflict with Underground Shelters
The Japanese government has released guidelines for the construction of underground shelters on outlying islands in Okinawa Prefecture, a move prompted by the increasing possibility of a military crisis involving Taiwan. This initiative follows the recent shift in Japan's defense posture, which has seen the deployment of anti-aircraft missile batteries and surface-to-ship missile launchers to the Nansei chain of islands, strategically located near Taiwan.
However, concerns have been raised by local leaders in these remote islands, who fear that the increased military presence could make them more vulnerable to attack. Yonaguni town, for instance, lies just 110 kilometers from Taiwan, putting it directly in the potential line of fire.
Ishigaki, Miyakojima, Yonaguni, Taketomi, and Tarama. These shelters will serve as a refuge for residents who are unable to evacuate during a conflict.
The shelters will be built with reinforced concrete walls and stocked with enough food and water to sustain occupants for at least two weeks. They will also be designed to serve as multi-purpose facilities, accommodating meetings and gatherings when not in use.
The construction of these shelters reflects the growing awareness of the potential for conflict in the region. However, experts warn that crisis management plans should also consider the broader consequences of a full-scale invasion of Taiwan, which could have a devastating impact similar to a major natural disaster.
Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki has urged the government to prioritize diplomatic efforts aimed at peacebuilding. He emphasizes the tragic history of the Battle of Okinawa, where a quarter of the civilian population perished, and expresses concern that residents could once again become victims of conflict.
"I want to ask the central government for an explanation about how it plans to take steps to ensure peace, rather than only work on the assumption that bases and underground shelters should come first," Tamaki stated.