TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro confirmed Sunday that plans to deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island, just 110 km from Taiwan, are proceeding on schedule.

Japan plans to station upgraded Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missiles capable of intercepting ballistic threats, per The Japan News. “To properly protect the public, including the people of Yonaguni, it is important to strengthen our defense capabilities,” Koizumi said.

He added that by deploying the missiles “we can lower the possibility of a military attack on our country.” He said the view that the deployment would heighten regional tensions “is not accurate,” per Bloomberg.

The truck-mounted system can engage aerial targets up to 48 km away. Koizumi, appointed defense minister last month, said the ministry is finalizing the plan and will brief local officials and residents once details are complete.

At the earliest sign of a Chinese attack on Taiwan, plans are in place to evacuate residents to Kyushu, per Nikkei. Japan also intends to build underground shelters across the southwestern islands to provide up to two weeks of protection for those unable to evacuate immediately.