Chinese satellites orbiting over Japan may be for the purpose of “early detection” of U.S. military movements. Frequently observed near Yokosuka and Sasebo.

China's use of the Yaogang satellite to monitor mainland Japan and its surrounding waters is believed to be for the purpose of early detection of U.S. military movements coming from U.S. military bases in Japan in the event of a conflict over Taiwan. It appears that the Chinese military is steadily increasing its space-based surveillance capabilities in order to establish an A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) military strategy to deter U.S. approaches and actions.