Perched high above the coastline of Okinawa, a recently established Japanese military unit watches over the sea with an unmistakable message: Japan is no longer content to remain passive in the shifting security landscape of East Asia. The Seventh Regiment, formed just a year ago, stands in full view—its missile batteries and equipment visible for miles. The exposure isn’t a tactical flaw; it’s a calculated statement of readiness.This regiment is one of two new missile units deployed by Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force along the southern island chain that trails toward Taiwan. These additions mark a significant transformation in Japan’s defense posture, driven by an emboldened Chinese navy that has grown increasingly assertive in waters close to Japan’s territory. n18oc_world n18oc_crux