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26-11-2023, 08:31 AM
The U.S. military in Japan relocated its reconnaissance drone operations unit to Okinawa despite local objection after its temporary deployment in the southwestern Kyushu region, according to the Japanese government, as part of moves to strengthen surveillance of Chinese activities in nearby waters.
The chain, stretching southwest from Kyushu toward Taiwan, includes the Japan-controlled, China-claimed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Chinese coast guard vessels have repeatedly entered Japanese waters around the uninhabited islets.
Okinawa has strategic importance due to its proximity to potential geopolitical flashpoints, such as Taiwan, a self-ruled democratic island under increasing pressure from Communist-led China.
"The efficiency (of U.S. military operations) takes priority, and there has been no mention of how long they will be deployed. The excessive burden of hosting U.S. military bases on locals appears to be disregarded," Okinawa Gov Denny Tamaki told a press conference in mid-October.
https://japantoday.com/category/national...-objection
The chain, stretching southwest from Kyushu toward Taiwan, includes the Japan-controlled, China-claimed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Chinese coast guard vessels have repeatedly entered Japanese waters around the uninhabited islets.
Okinawa has strategic importance due to its proximity to potential geopolitical flashpoints, such as Taiwan, a self-ruled democratic island under increasing pressure from Communist-led China.
"The efficiency (of U.S. military operations) takes priority, and there has been no mention of how long they will be deployed. The excessive burden of hosting U.S. military bases on locals appears to be disregarded," Okinawa Gov Denny Tamaki told a press conference in mid-October.
https://japantoday.com/category/national...-objection
