Japan’s new left oriented government has asked the United States to renegotiate a deal which details the policy for US bases and forces in Japan. The new Prime Minister, Yukio Hatoyama, has asked the US to move away from the Futenma Marine base which is undesirable to Japanese government because of its close proximity to Japanese civilians in the crowded area off Okinawa island.
The US had this to say, “The United States has no intention to renegotiate the Futenma replacement facility plan or Guam relocation with the government of Japan.”
President George Bush had previously agreed to move the Futemnma base to a more rural area. Additionally the US had agreed to move 8000 marines to Guam from Okinawa. According to the deal, Japan would be left to foot the bill for this move including costs associated with the marines families moving. The total bill was 2.8 billion dollars.
However Japan is now seeking to renegotiate this deal. I for one am glad that the US is not giving into the desires of Japan. We had previously negotiated a deal to which both parties had agreed to so it is my opinion that we should forge on with the provisions set forth in that agreement.
I find it interesting that the US manages to keep territories and bases in so many different countries. Do you believe it is ethical to do so? Just because we have the power and leverage to do this, does it mean we should?
