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Koizumi Cabinet approves plan to swiftly complete U.S. military realignment in Japan

The Koizumi Cabinet on November 11 adopted a plan of a rapid implementation of the 'interim report' on realigning U.S. forces in Japan, which was agreed on by Japan-U.S. defense summit in late October.

Although the 'final report' will not be issued until next March, the government confirmed the need to accelerate the bilateral defense talks and to achieve the realignment as early as possible.

The government uses a carrot and stick approach toward local governments opposing the U.S. military realignment plan. It will also pay all costs of realignment. It will inevitably face growing opposition from local governments and residents.

The government plan maintains that Japan-U.S. realignment talks are "aimed at strengthening the Japan-U.S. military alliance" and that comprehensive steps be taken for a smooth and rapid implementation of the plan.

At the press conference after the cabinet meeting, Chief Cabinet Secretary Abe Shinzo spoke on measures for "regional economic development." Defense Agency Director General Nukaga Fukushiro hinted that Japan will pay the costs for the U.S. military alignment.

Concerning the construction of a new U.S. air base on the coast of U.S. Camp Schwab in Okinawa to serve as the U.S. Futenma air base relocation, a government authority plan requires a law that will give the national government the right to approve reclamation of sea areas in disregard of what the Okinawa governor may say. However, 90% of the respondents in a local newspaper (Ryukyu Shimpo) survey on November 4 expressed opposition to the plan.

What local governments and residents are demanding is not money but the withdrawal of U.S. bases. Because the bases have hampered their cities' development and U.S. bases, if realigned further, will be used for U.S. wars in Asia and the rest of the world, which in turn will pose a new danger on residents.

Ignoring the wishes of the public, the government is going to pay the huge cost such as for the relocation of some U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam.

The Koizumi Cabinet's response shows its extraordinary position that gives priority to the Japan-U.S. military alliance over the lives of its own citizens. -- Akahata, November 12, 2005