May 18, 2022

Japanese Communist Party Dietmember Inoue Satoshi on May 17 demanded that a plan to strengthen U.S. logistics functions at the U.S. Iwakuni base (Yamaguchi Pref.) and the U.S. Yokota base (Tokyo) as promoted jointly by the Japanese and U.S. governments be abandoned.

At a meeting of the House of Councilors Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Inoue noted that the U.S. Department of Defense is requesting more than one billion dollars over five years beginning in fiscal 2023 for the strengthening of logistics and capability in connection with the "Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI)". In addition, he pointed out that the Pentagon is proposing to expand jet fuel storage capacity at Iwakuni and Yokota bases in Japan as "war reserve " jet fuel.

Inoue asked, "Don't you think that the U.S. DoD is planning to bolster logistics functions at U.S. bases in Japan specifically in anticipation of an armed conflict with China?"

Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo in reply just said, "It is important for the U.S. administration to improve the foundation of logistical support in order to fulfill its duty under the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty."

Inoue asked if the U.S. government is asking Japan to provide rear-area support in line with the U.S. strategy of "dispersing" U.S. forces from Okinawa to Taiwan and the Philippines.

Defense Minister Kishi said, "Japan will closely work with the United States," and did not deny the possibility that Japan and the U.S. will together reinforce U.S. logistical functions.

Inoue said, "A vicious cycle of military responses will pose a danger to Japan," and again demanded the cancellation of the plan to strengthen U.S. logistics functions at the U.S. Iwakuni and Yokota bases.