Japan is creating an actual amphibious warfare capability:
Japan has been practicing storming beaches with the U.S. and other countries in Hawaii this month. The amphibious landing exercises, which are relatively new to Japan's military, come as Tokyo tries to boost its ability to defend small islands it controls but China claims as its own.
And as the article notes, in addition to warning China away, this capability reassures us that if we intervene to help our ally Japan, we will be fighting with Japanese forces at our side rather than fighting for a Japan incapable of contributing.
Which should also warn China away.
