Most people are unfamiliar with the small Miyako island chain, wich is far south of Okinawa, very close to Taiwan.
One of these islands is home to 40 thousand or so Japanese Nationals, a big airport and the land is completely uncontested.
there is also a new Japanese air defense radar on a tiny Island closest to Taiwan.
most people believe that the Miyako Islands could only be taken if Okinawa also were taken so that has some pretty serious implications.
Why would the Chinese need to take Okinawa first if the Miyako Islands are closer to China? Is it because Taiwan would protect them?