China threat erodes Japanese anger over U.S. bases ahead of vote
Voters in Okinawa have long bristled over hosting U.S. military bases, but a growing acceptance for a stronger military to counter threats from China is changing the calculus.
A closely contested election on a cluster of southern Japanese islands is revealing a shift in public opinion towards a more robust military presence to counter China's growing influence. For years, residents of Okinawa have been frustrated by the presence of the majority of the United States' military installations on their subtropical archipelago, renowned for its lengthy life spans and pristine beaches.
Incidents of service members committing serious crimes and chronic noise pollution have been persistent issues. The Marine Corps air base located in Ginowan City is a major source of discontent. However, as Chinese military aircraft and drones proliferate in the vicinity of Okinawa, the focus of the electorate is shifting. With China's military activities looming over their heads, the political calculus is evolving.
The upcoming vote, set for Sunday across the prefecture that extends towards Taiwan, is no longer dominated by the controversy surrounding American military bases.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
