China says Japan’s new 1000km Type-12 missile can create ‘kill network’, hit mainland coastal cities

The official newspaper of the People’s Liberation Army has criticised Japan’s deployment of stand-off weapons, including upgraded Type-12 missiles, warning that the move could create a “kill network” capable of striking both coastal and inland areas of neighbouring countries, reports SCMP.

According to a report published on Tuesday, the enhanced Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles will be deployed at Camp Kengun in Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture by the end of the month.

Missile range and capabilities expanded

The PLA Daily said the upgraded Type-12 missile has seen a significant increase in range to around 1,000 km (621 miles), up from its earlier 200 km. It also highlighted improvements in stealth and offensive capabilities.


“It is clear that this missile is transitioning from a primarily defensive weapon to a long-range system capable of striking targets in neighbouring countries,” the article by Hua Dan and Zhang Li of the PLA Army Engineering University said.

If deployed from Kyushu, the missiles could cover much of the East China Sea and reach coastal regions of mainland China, potentially acting as a deterrent against PLA naval operations in a Taiwan Strait scenario.

What are the features of Type-12 missile

The upgraded Type-12 missile, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has an extended range of about 1,000 km (620 miles), a significant increase from its original 200 km. According to the report, the missile now incorporates improved offensive capabilities along with enhanced stealth performance. Originally designed as a defensive system, it is increasingly being viewed as a long-range strike weapon capable of targeting both coastal and inland areas. If deployed from Kyushu, the missile could cover much of the East China Sea and potentially reach parts of mainland China, strengthening Japan’s stand-off strike capabilities.

Taiwan tensions remain a key flashpoint

Taiwan continues to be a major point of contention between Beijing and Tokyo. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force for reunification.

Tensions escalated after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Japan could take military action in the event of an attack on Taiwan, drawing strong protests from Beijing.

Expansion of Japan’s stand-off strike systems

The report said Japan is accelerating the development of stand-off strike capabilities, enabling attacks from beyond enemy air defence ranges. It noted that the upgraded Type-12 missile could work alongside the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP), forming part of a broader strike system.

The HVGP, a ground-launched hypersonic glide weapon, is expected to be deployed on March 31 at Camp Fuji in Shizuoka prefecture. With a range of 500–900 km and an advanced version under development exceeding 3,000 km, the system is designed to penetrate air defences early in a conflict.

Japan is also strengthening its capabilities through hypersonic cruise missiles, US-made Tomahawks, and air-launched Joint Strike Missiles and Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off Missiles.

China warns of strategic consequences

The PLA Daily article stated that, once completed, Japan’s system would form a layered offensive capability.

“Once this system is completed, the Japan Self-Defence Forces will have a multilayered offensive kill network … thus possessing the ability to strike targets along the coasts and inland areas of neighbouring countries.”

It further criticised Japan’s strategic direction, stating that right-wing forces were using perceived external threats to justify military expansion.

“Their insistence on developing offensive weapons and accelerating military build-up will ultimately lead to self-destruction,” it added.

(With inputs from SCMP)