One public source describes the capabilities of the YJ-18: After the vertical launch the missile ... the multi-layered defense perimeters of carrier strike groups will increase.
"Today, Su-33 and MiG-29 aircraft are the backbone of aircraft carriers, specifically ... take-off and landing aircraft and, possibly, a vertical take-off and landing plane, and we are discussing ...
It's a major step in integrating the F-35B short-takeoff/vertical landing variant used by the US Marine Corps and the British Royal Navy on its carriers into Japan's self-defense forces.