Japan Mulling Evacuation Shelters Amid Growing Missile Threats
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu has revealed the government is considering whether and how evacuation shelters should be set up in Japan for missile threats amid tensions in the Taiwan Strait and other places.
China conducted massive military drills in the Taiwan Strait in August. Some of the ballistic missiles that were launched landed inside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.
Observers have raised the possibility that China will try to unilaterally change the status quo by force as it steps up military pressure on Taiwan.
Reporters asked Matsuno on Tuesday about the government's views on the need for missile shelters in Japan.
Matsuno said the government is studying the necessary functions and possible issues concerning facilities that can accommodate people for a certain period of time. He added that it is looking at cases in other countries as part of the examination.
He added the government has been focusing since fiscal 2021 on designating sturdy buildings and underground facilities as temporary evacuation shelters.
He vowed further efforts to ensure the public's safety in case of an emergency.