Putin backs Xi as Japan plans to deploy missiles near Taiwan, issues warning to Trump & Takaichi

Russia has condemned Japan’s plan to deploy a medium‑range surface‑to‑air missile unit on Yonaguni Island, about 110 km off Taiwan’s east coast, accusing Tokyo of militarising Okinawa “on Washington’s instructions” and warning it reserves the right to respond harshly. The move comes amid peak tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan, as President Donald Trump holds back‑to‑back calls with Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in an attempt to calm the situation and urge Tokyo not to provoke Beijing further.