Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Caracas: The United States attacks another alleged drug-trafficking ship off the coast of Colombia in the Pacific Ocean
Palestinian official urges world to force 'Israel' to comply with ICJ ruling: AFP
Israeli media says Knesset approved bill to annex in West Bank in preliminary reading
Kremlin: As part of strategic nuclear force exercise, Cruiser Bryansk launched Sineva ballistic missile from Barents Sea.
Kremlin: Yars Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome at Kura test site in Kamchatka.
Kremlin: Strategic nuclear forces exercise took place under Putin's leadership.
Lebanese MP Imad Al-Hout, following his meeting with the Grand Mufti of the Republic: Lebanon is the last country to move toward peace and normalization [with "Israel"]
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: One martyr reported in Israeli drone strike targeting motorcycle in Ain Qana.
Israeli media: Sirens sound in Nahal Oz settlement in Gaza Envelope.
Syria: Local sources report that General Security forces targeted the camp of French fighters from the 'al-Ghuraba division' in the Idlib countryside with mortar and tank shells.

US drafts contingency plans for Taiwan: Report

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 25 Nov 2024 08:16
  • 1 Shares
3 Min Read

The plans reportedly include the deployment of a US Marine regiment equipped with HIMARS along Japan’s Nansei island chain, which stretches from Kyushu to Yonaguni, close to Taiwan.

Listen
  • x
  • Above, a US-made MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile is launched during a live fire exercise at the Chiupeng missile base in Taiwan’s Pingtung county on Aug. 20, 2024. (AFP)
    Above, a US-made MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile is launched during a live fire exercise at the Chiupeng missile base in Taiwan’s Pingtung county on Aug. 20, 2024. (AFP)

The United States is preparing contingency plans for potential military deployments in Japan and the Philippines in the event of what it described as a Taiwan-related emergency, according to a report by Japan's Kyodo news agency. These plans will be part of the first joint operation plan set to be finalized in December, sources familiar with Japan-US relations revealed.

The plans reportedly include the deployment of a US Marine regiment equipped with HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) along Japan’s Nansei island chain, which stretches from Kyushu to Yonaguni, close to Taiwan.

According to the report, if a Taiwan contingency becomes imminent, temporary bases would be established on inhabited islands. This approach reportedly aligns with US military guidelines, which emphasize deploying marines in small units across multiple locations.

Japan’s role would primarily involve logistical support for the marine unit, such as providing fuel and ammunition. In addition, the US Army plans to station Multi-Domain Task Force long-range fire units in the Philippines, as per the news agency.

The Japanese and Philippine defense ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment. While the US embassy in Manila declined to comment, the Chinese embassy in Manila stated it had "noted" the Kyodo report.

The big picture 

Washington has been reinforcing regional alliances, conducting regular deployments of ships and fighter jets in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, actions that have drawn strong objections from Beijing.

The Nansei Islands, located near Taiwan, are considered a critical geographic buffer, making their defense a strategic priority.

As part of the broader "Pivot to Asia" (or "Rebalance to Asia"), the US began shifting diplomatic, military, and economic resources toward the Asia-Pacific region.

Over the years, military cooperation between the United States and its allies in the region has intensified, with increased joint exercises, arms sales, and the deployment of advanced military assets aimed at provoking China. 

Read more: Japan, Australia, US boost Pacific militarization with joint drills

China has viewed these joint military drills as provocative actions aimed at containing its influence in the region. Beijing has recently intensified its military activities in the South China Sea with the aim of defending its territorial claims.

Notably, China has expanded its coast guard fleet, deploying the world's longest patrol ships, such as the Haijing 5901 and Haijing 2901, to enforce its territorial claims in disputed waters.

The Wall Street Journal reported on November 4 that these vessels have been involved in confrontational actions, including ramming rival ships.

  • Nansei island chain
  • United States
  • Japan
  • Taiwan
  • US Marine Corps
  • China
  • HIMARS

Most Read

Yemeni Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Abd al-Karim al-Ghamari , during a ceremony in an undisclosed locations in Yemen, undate (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemeni Armed Forces mourn martyred Chief of Staff al-Ghamari

  • Politics
  • 16 Oct 2025
From previous scenes of the Qassam Brigades targeting an Israeli D9 bulldozer with a Yassin 105 shell, east of Deir al-Balah. (Military Media of the Qassam Brigades)

US knew fatal Rafah blast cause was not Hamas op., says journalist

  • Politics
  • 20 Oct 2025
Smoke and fire rises after 'Israel' launched airstrikes on the village of Ansar, Lebanon, October 16, 2025 (social media)

'Israel' launches two waves of brutal strikes on east, south Lebanon

  • Politics
  • 16 Oct 2025
A woman with her purchased groceries walks out from an underground market, in Beijing, Wednesday, August 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Global brands in China face pressure from rising local rivals

  • Economy
  • 17 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Nearly half of attacks in occupied al-Quds target Armenian Christians
Politics

Nearly half of attacks in occupied al-Quds target Armenian Christians

Greece rocked by EU farm subsidy scandal as dozens arrested
Economy

Greece rocked by EU farm subsidy scandal as dozens arrested

Netherlands holds talks with China after Beijing curbs Nexperia export.
Technology

Netherlands holds talks with China after Nexperia export's curb

Trump said to demand DOJ pay him $230 million for past cases: NYT
Politics

Trump said to demand DOJ pay him $230 mln for past cases: NYT

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS