Noda expresses concern over N Korea, China

"Noda also said that there is a need to deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance, NHK reported."

Don't tell the governor of Okinawa!

The bases are the problem! The bases need to be run by Japan under Japanese law. The current SOFA is an insult to Japan and civilian authority. In America the bases are under the authority of the civilian authority, it needs to be the same in Japan.

and recent incursions by Chinese navy vessels into Japanese waters meant that Japan had to be more vigilant.

And stop giving aid to China!!

http://seetell.jp/en/25921

And how does it fit that Japan is building cities in China when the US occupation of Okinawa continues for its 67th year because China is seen as a threat to Japan? Is it reasonable to both spend money to defend oneself against China while spending money to build up China at the same time? In fact, it could be argued that China’s military growth is a direct result of their recent economic success. If Japan is truly afraid of China, should it be contributing to its greater economic success which would allow China to spend even more on its military?

Wow, he "expressed concern". And............. what's next? Increasing defense spending to a level concurrent with Japan's economic level and security needs? Starting a nuclear weapons development program to counter those in neighboring nations?

Didn't think so.

Going hat in hand to Uncle Sam and begging to continue riding his coat-tails?

Yep, that's the ticket.

US bases are never under civilian authority, they are all controled by UCMJ law as well as the soliders all over the world even if they are off base... It would be to complacted to be controlled by civilian law due to no place is the same...except when you cross on any US military base you are allways under UCMJ law even if you are a civilian crossing on the base..

Keep the masses afraid, united in fear and keep your job, way to go noda!

How about increasing Naval presence in our own waters and instead of just expressing concern and begging for help from other countries how about we show strength.

Japan should trade Futenma for the US to treat the Senkakus as part of Japanese territory that the US considers part of the security treaty.

The US should be down there helping out in any case because it was responsible for drawing the post war boundary lines that gave those islands to Japan and not China.

Put the other way around, one has to ask what Japan is getting out of the deal with the US if it is proving to be neither a deterrent to Chinese aggression towards Japan, nor is the US lifting a finger to do anything about incursions.

Okinawan fishermen are pissed more than anyone else about the way China is grabbing that territory - seems like a great opportunity for the US to garner some PR by actually protecting Okinawa for a change.

Hikozaemon, Okinawa never agreed to the plan. They made it with American even though we disagree. The government is Tokyo is trying to build the new airfield but have meet stiff resistance. They have a court order for the protestors not to block construction. We have to wait and see what happens. Still my friends have a point, what has China done to us? How many Okinawa people were killed by the Americans and Japanese?

"In America the bases are under the authority of the civilian authority, it needs to be the same in Japan." Wasn't true when I was posted in the States and not true now but some USAF bases had private security guards at the gates instead of MPs. Maybe that's where this idea originates.

Not anti-American deep in my heart..but it seems unfortunately that all Americans military outposts around the globe are under unfair treatments ( strictly protected by U.S. military special rights ). It sounds easy to get them in ( assuming they are there to protect you then you have to pay for everything let alone controling them -- They are the U.S. commands NOT you ), once you feel tired of it, turning them away from the country is another story -- long & costly struggle..

When voices of objection getting too noise ( like in S. Korea & Okinanwa 2-3 years ago ) N. Korea and the like have been skillfully utilized by the U.S. for maintaining the military bases -- Virtual threats against your security.. Keeping paying for the strong U.S. forces ( creating jobs ); buying more U.S. weapons ( contractors applaud ); Flexing more muscle / influence around the world ( geopolitical strategy to maintain its influence ) that ended up almost free of charge ! ( Paid by you tax payers )..The equation works out fine indeed -- Latest example in the Philippines where expelled American troops a few years ago are welcome back with two arms given 'threats' from China.

Back in Japan, many leaders including the MP Noda thoroughly understood the tricks used but powerless to do anything -- One can only blame the increasingly weakened political influence when govts kept changing. Defacto 'coups d'etats' carried on if anyone dare saying no to the U.S., the not so well behaved MPs will then be 'dismissed' soon. Vivid examples in the last few years. This has become a 'common sense' to be political correct !

Hikozaemon Mar. 19, 2012 - 07:02PM JST Japan should trade Futenma for the US to treat the Senkakus as part of Japanese territory that the US considers >part of the security treaty.

The US already considers the Senkakus to be under Japanese control and within the US defense perimeter. Why do you think the Chinese PLAN haven't landed there yet?

"recent incursions by Chinese navy vessels into Japanese waters " I think Mr Noda better figure out it was whose waters and isles befire making pointless accusations! After the 311 disasters japan is nowhere to compare with military poyentials with China. Does he realized North Korea shall never be 'harmed' after sinking the RoK frigate and shelling the Yeongping island was the Chinesze government told mr Obama to 'backoff'! In coming days the DPRK will launching a sarellite to space because that was under Chinese miltary protection....the military balance in asia is changing with or without Japanese approval!

YuriOtani

Hikozaemon, Okinawa never agreed to the plan. They made it with American even though we disagree.

You dont have to agree, as part of Japan the government will do what is required for the national interests and as part of that nation.... Well l guess you get the picture.

The government is Tokyo is trying to build the new airfield but have meet stiff resistance. They have a court order for the protestors not to block construction. We have to wait and see what happens.

Hmm maybe Tokyo should say bugger Okinawa and remove all the bases and support for Okinawa and let you support yourselves as a seperate entity. I wonder how long before you would become part of China and all the wonders that entails. Then you have something to really complain about.

Cletus, do not think China would invade. What does Okinawa have that they want? A neutral Okinawa would be of vast benefit to China. Also what would you do if your national government dumped a big mess on your local community?

If the bases were closed and all support stopped, well at least we would be free of those bases! Then we could finally start to develop Okinawa for the people. Perhaps China would assist our recovery from economic disaster imposed upon us by the Americans and Japanese. It was their plan all along to make us dependent on those bases.

What is the matter wityh those who piss and moan about the presence of bases on Okinawa. Every big base on Okinawa is flying the flag of Japan next to the Stars and Stripes and the USA share the Bases with the Japan Self Defense Forces. However you should see the mammoth base the Self Defense Forces have on Iwo Jima. it is ten times bigger than any Base we have on Okinawa. and there are no USA military anywhere on that island. Could we be seeing a rebirth of the Imperial military of Japan? WE were run off this island while the Japanese were ostensibly recovering Japanese bodies from wWWII from the tunnels they constructed prior to 1941, ontact me JT - I have a surprise for you.