The Growing U.S.-Japan Security Divide

The Widening U.S.-Japan Security Divide -- Wall Street Journal

Washington and Tokyo have to focus on protecting their citizens from harm today.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates delivered a tough message to the new government in Tokyo this week: The U.S.-Japan security alliance is not up for renegotiation. The question now is whether Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama will get the message before President Barack Obama lands in Japan next month.

The most pressing issue is the 2006 agreement to close the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Base in downtown Okinawa and relocate it to a nearby coastal area. The base has been a source of local tension for many years. In addition, approximately 8,000 troops are scheduled to be transferred to Guam, lowering the overall U.S. military presence in Japan to around 40,000 troops.

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More News On U.S. Japan Relations

In Japan, Gates talks tough on base relocation -- Washington Post
Japan-U.S. missile defense faces budget limits -- Reuters
Gates urges keeping forces on Okinawa -- UPI
No alternative to U.S. troop rejig deal in Japan: Gates -- Reuters
Q+A: Japan and the U.S. differ over defense issues -- Reuters
Transforming the U.S.-Japan Alliance -- Real Clear World/Cato Institute

My Comment: Secretary of Defense Gates can say all that he wants, but if Japan puts it foot down .... they will get what they want .... agreement or no agreement.

I think we are now witnessing a significant geopolitical event in which Asian countries are now not only starting to develop an independent economic/military/political policy from the West, but more importantly are working together to develop a policy that will satisfy their own uniquely Asian needs and wants.

The consequence of this direction is the slow formation of an Asian bloc in the shape and form that will (probably) be similar to the European Economic Community and their own NATO military structure. A trend that is only starting now.

Okinawa is just a symbol of this change .... and I can assure you that there will be many more.