transfer to guam

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How can Aso find it good for Japan to pay for U.S. troops moving to Guam?

Japanese Foreign Minister Aso Taro in the House of Representative Budget Committee meeting on February 20 said that it is in the national interests of Japan to pay for the moving expense of 7,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam.

Aso emphasized that the planned relocation of 7,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa means a substantial reduction of burdens on Okinawa. That is untrue because only officers in the command and logistics personnel will move to Guam, and combat units that impose the heaviest danger to Okinawans will remain there.

At the publication of the U.S. military relocation plan, the local newspaper "Okinawa Times" said in its editorial on October 30, 2005: "If combat units with infantrymen and artillery men remain, the dangers will also persist. It is deceptive to say that only the numbers matter."

The Japanese and U.S. governments are planning to construct a new state-of-the art base off Nago City for the U.S. Marines airwing, increasing burdens on Okinawans.

Saying that there are elements of instability in the Asia-Pacific region, Aso said, "Strengthening the U.S. Guam base will consequently add to Japan's security."

The U.S. plan of relocation to Guam as part of military realignment plans is aimed at strengthening the U.S. base in Guam with its strategically geographic advantage as a stronghold for U.S. preemptive attacks. Contrary to being helpful to Japan's security, the relocation will threaten the peace for Japan and the world.

What is worse, Japan will be financially supporting the U.S. military realignment if Japan accepts the U.S. request to pay 50-75 percent of the total relocation cost estimated to be 7.6 billion dollars. How can Aso Taro, who sees in the payment Japan's national interests, continue as Japan's foreign minister?
- Akahata, February 22, 2006