Japan’s SDF reorganizes its major units as media claiming with China in mind; move shows clear offensive traits breaking post-WWII order: Chinese expert - Global Times

The Maritime Self-Defense Force established a Fleet Surface Force that includes minesweepers and a transport vessel under a newly created Amphibious Mine Warfare Group.

“Aka Island, the westernmost island in the Kerama Islands, is part of the Ryukyu Islands”

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A welcome ceremony for the Amphibious Mine Warfare Group was held in Sasebo, attended by about 200 people including U.S. Navy personnel and local government officials, according to Kyodo News and Chunichi Shimbun.

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The overhaul abolished the Fleet Escort Force and the Mine Warfare Force and linked sea-control, mine countermeasures, and amphibious lift under a unified command, described as moving toward cross-domain operations and strengthening the defense of the Ryukyu Islands with China in mind.

Xiang Haoyu, a distinguished research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, said the restructuring shows offensive and outward-oriented traits that could fuel an arms race and undermine the post-WWII order.

He warned that the true aim behind the changes is to establish a rapid-response force targeting China's Taiwan Straits and the Diaoyu Dao, aided by upgraded Type-12 anti-ship missiles to block the Chinese Navy's access to the Pacific.

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The report notes Sasebo as a gateway to the East China Sea and its hosting of a major U.S. base, deepening Japan-U.S. military integration.

The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade of the GSDF, also based in Sasebo, could coordinate with the MSDF to form an integrated sea-shore-island defense network.

The Space Operations Wing will be established as part of the ASDF, expanding the Space Operations Group from about 310 personnel to roughly 670 as a unit specializing in space tasks.

“Aka Island, the westernmost island in the Kerama Islands, is part of the Ryukyu Islands”

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The service will be reorganized into the Air and Space Self-Defense Force.

The Diplomat described the overhaul as a complete scrap-and-build of Japan's surface forces, raising concerns about redundancy, personnel strain, and command clarity.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the lessons of history are still fresh and urged China and other peace-loving countries to reject Japan’s remilitarization and defend the outcomes of World War II.