Japan intends to deploy long-range surveillance drones on remote Pacific islands, including Iwo Jima, to enhance its monitoring of Chinese naval movements. This initiative signifies a strategic expansion of its surveillance capabilities.

Japan’s planned deployment of long-range surveillance drones on remote Pacific islands would mark a significant expansion of its ability to monitor Chinese naval activity, as Beijing’s warships operate more frequently beyond the first island chain. The drones are to be stationed on Iwo Jima and Chichijima Island in the Ogasawara chain south of Tokyo, according to a report by the Yomiuri newspaper published on Monday. The airfield on Minamitorishima, about 1,950km (1,211 miles) southeast of Tokyo...