As tensions rise between China and Taiwan, Japan is quietly preparing for a possible war between China and the United States. Japan, a key US ally in the region, plans to build bomb shelters on its remote islands near Taiwan starting next year. Officials fear that if war breaks out, Japan’s western territories could become targets.

A Newsweek report said Japan’s decision reflects the growing regional threat. Currently, Japan hosts more US troops than any other country outside the United States. Experts say that if a US-China conflict breaks out—especially after recent West Asian tensions—Japan will likely be involved.

China-Taiwan Dispute Raises Concerns

China considers Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, as part of its territory. Taiwan strongly rejects these claims. However, the more Taipei pushes back, the more aggressively Beijing responds. China has not ruled out using military force to take control of the island. This has raised global concerns about China’s growing influence.

Japan’s new preparations follow increased Chinese military activity near Taiwan, including incidents like the 2022 missile strikes near Yonaguni, which frightened local residents. That event pushed Japan to increase its military presence in the region.

What Is Japan Planning?

Japan plans to fund emergency evacuation shelters on the Sakishima Islands, located at the southwestern end of the Nansei Islands chain. These shelters will be built next year, starting with Yonaguni—the westernmost inhabited island in Japan. This island lies less than 70 miles from Taiwan.

According to the Nikkei newspaper, Japan will also build shelters on nearby islands like Iriomote, Ishigaki, Tarama, and Miyako by spring 2028. These shelters will be equipped to support residents for up to two weeks.

Meanwhile, Okinawa, Japan’s largest southwestern island, already houses about 30,000 US troops. All branches of the US military—Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marines—have bases there. US and Japanese forces also conduct joint drills regularly.

Tokyo also plans to evacuate civilians from these islands to the Japanese mainland if war seems likely. However, officials say it would take at least a week to move over 100,000 people by sea and air. This makes emergency shelters essential for short-term safety.

US Confirms Chinese Threat

Japan’s actions aren’t based on guesses. US officials have said Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered his military to be ready to take Taiwan by force by 2027. Still, it remains unclear if China's military readiness will match its political decision to act.

China continues to insist that Taiwan is central to its foreign policy, especially in its dealings with the US.

Last month, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned during the Singapore Defence Summit that China was “rehearsing for the real deal,” and said an attack on Taiwan “could be imminent.” Beijing rejected these claims and accused the US of increasing tensions in the region.