Japan is rapidly boosting its military presence on its southwestern islands, aiming both to deter China and signal to Donald Trump that Tokyo is a vital, self-reliant U.S. ally amid renewed concerns over Washington’s long-term commitment to Asia.

Missiles in Plain Sight as Strategic Signal

At Camp Katsuren in Okinawa, Japan’s newly formed Seventh Missile Regiment has placed ship-killing Type-12 missiles in full public view. “Our armaments are a show of force,” said Col. Yohei Ito, reflecting Tokyo’s dual messaging — to Beijing and to Washington. The missiles are meant to deter China’s naval maneuvers and counter Trump’s narrative that Japan over-relies on U.S. protection.

Appeasing Trump While Preparing for Autonomy

Japan’s recent negotiations with Trump’s administration include promises to buy U.S. LNG, chips, and weapons — including F-35Bs and Tomahawk cruise missiles — in exchange for tariff relief. Tokyo’s broader goal is to enhance interoperability with U.S. forces and avoid being sidelined in any potential Trump-Xi geopolitical deal.

Defense officials and scholars, like Nobukatsu Kanehara, stress the need to “show President Trump that we are a valuable and essential ally.”

Expanding Defense Industry and Strategic Reach

Japan is not only purchasing U.S. weapons but also revitalizing its defense industry with homegrown systems such as hypersonic missiles, drone-killing lasers, and a new jet fighter with Italy and the UK. It has also boosted security ties with Australia and sent troops to the Philippines for multilateral drills.

Defense Minister Gen Nakatani warned that Japan now faces its most severe security environment since WWII, pointing to threats from both China and North Korea.

Contingency Plans if U.S. Pulls Back

While Japan seeks to strengthen the U.S. alliance, Tokyo is quietly preparing alternatives. With a large plutonium stockpile, some experts say Japan has a latent nuclear option. But for now, Japan is betting on “Plan A”—remaining close to the U.S. while expanding its independent military capacity.

“We need to think about a Plan B if the U.S. does withdraw,” said Kazuto Suzuki of the Institute of Geoeconomics.