Okinawa , isn’t in the media so many these days.  , Chinese , attempts to grab , Philippine , country and smother , Taiwan , get the most interest. That doesn’t suggest Okinawa is any less important.
A familiar British author who writes about international affairs just turned to Okinawa. He completed some research before asking a few questions.
Some are admirable, but others are accurate reflections of widespread misunderstandings about Okinawa that are even perpetuated by some Taiwanese authorities and activists. Here’s my attempt to set him right.
Geostrategic Value
What is Okinawa’s existing importance in terms of potential Chinese anger, and what part does it perform geopolitically?
Okinawa ( and other territories that are part of the district ) are geopolitical landscape.  , They form part of the , First , Island Chain , that blocks the Chinese People’s Liberation Army ( PLA )’s easy access to the Pacific Ocean.  ,
Similar to how important outposts on and in Okinawa are for both American and Japanese military operations, both defensive and offensive. From dynamic warfare to intelligence gathering and targeting.
What kind of effects might an war by China have on Okinawa?
Operations defending Taiwan would require US and Japanese foundations on Okinawa and other locations in the Ryukyus.  , But, they are also likely Army target if the Taiwanese attack Taiwan.  ,
What would a Chinese attack on Taiwan do to all of Japan, in addition to that problem?
If powerful, it may help the PRC to remove and occupy Japan. And it might stifle and possibly damage the Japan-US defense partnership, which is the foundation of the wider social alliance.
US Bases on Okinawa
How do Okinawans feel about basic military operations and the development of Henoko, a US military foundation?  ,
Depending on who you ask, it depends.  , Governor , Denny Tamaki , may say that “all” Okinawans oppose the foundations. That is, of course, unfounded. Then, just “anti-base” candidates may win Okinawa votes. They don’t. The “pro-base” individuals are doing rather well lately.  ,
Furthermore, if Tamaki’s claim was true, there would be popular and regular protests. There haven’t been for years and there aren’t.
When considering the “protesters”, most are older individuals and many are from outdoors Okinawa. Younger Okinawans are most concerned about having kids, taking care of elderly relatives, and getting along with life. The foundations are, by and large, only part of the wood.
The foundation is primarily supported by the people of Henoko, the town where the new US Marine atmosphere service is being constructed.  , This gets much attention.  ,
Realize that in other parts of Okinawa Prefecture – say, farther down the network– there is also substantial support for the Japan , Self Defense Force , ( JSDF) and even the US military presence – to protect from China.  ,
In some places, Chinese fishermen can no longer access standard fishing basis because of harassment from the , China Coast Guard , and Chinese fish and , sea militia , ships. Visitors want the JSDF to be sent to their defenses by the authorities to do something.
Why has the departure, mainly limited drawback, of the US army never been realized?
The British troops have, in fact, withdrawn, and there are much fewer compared to 40-50 centuries ago.  , Even, more are leaving – with the shift of hundreds of Marines to Guam really getting underway.  ,
The number of US military installations on Okinawa has also decreased. And the coaching activities , US forces , can do are also constrained. However, to train to support Japan, the US causes often have to keep Japan.  ,
In the end, the Japanese state wants the Americans to support Japan.  , However, the central government has very generally declined to properly support the Americans officially. It favors relying on US forces as a cushion to deal with problems from Okinawa.  ,
Saving area and people ,
Would the locals believe they are getting enough aid from the Tokyo state?
Again, it depends on the neighborhood’s people you speak with.  , Some do, some don’t. Even those in power like Governor Tamaki and the “anti-base” antagonism are aware of how generously compensated they are for keeping the bases. And all they have to do is” complain” . ,
The key government has for many years provided direct support payments of anywhere between US$ 1 and US$ 1 billion annually. That’s a lot of money for a little people.  , You’d consider the isle of Okinawa may be laid in gold.
One very wonders, what happened to all the income? The state of Okinawa does not require audit requests. More than a few Tokyo Diet people may share the same feelings.
Why does it seem like there are more hostilities on the island?
They aren’t rising. European writers frequently, if not always, have a tendency to interpret Okinawa’s situation differently. Nevertheless, Chinese subversion is encouraging a smaller group of rowdy local activists to protest the , military bases , and the Japanese military presence, and incessantly calling for ‘ independence.’
Regarding the effect of China, one may question Governor Tamaki about his travels to the PRC.  ,
Is there a predominance of US defense personnel who are convicted of crimes and given resistance?
No. US staff who behave improperly are punished by either the Chinese or US government. They are not granted resistance.  ,  ,
When the US military damages the setting, how is accountability handled?
Over the past 30 years, the Americans have been sympathetic about these concerns.  , They try not to poison, and if they do, they clean it up. Go back in time and remember that no one, either Japanese or Americans, was as careful about climate pollutants as they should have been.  , The “pollution” debate is often used by the anti-base group and by other Okinawans trying to shake down the central authorities for money.
Why is Okinawa’s standard of living said to be among the lowest in Japan?
This isn’t correct.  , The standard of living is, in reality, very great – and Okinawa is one of the more prosperous-looking regions. It has an atmosphere of strength– even if it’s just a” sugar large” from central government obligations. If you travel around Japan and explore weary, decaying provincial towns, you’ll know.
One may question why Okinawan’s educational standards are lower and the market is more diverse. Probably because central government funding causes a lack of creativity or intensity in the leadership of the local authorities.
Some of them believe that it’s simpler to collect monthly payments from the government than to entice businesses that did offer opportunities to young people in particular.  ,
The central government of Japan was contribute more to the country. For instance, they might alter the rules to make Taiwan’s economy and trade more enticing, for instance, and create new business opportunities.  ,
Grant Newsham, a resigned US Marine captain, is the publisher of ,” When China Attacks: A Warning to America”.
With type authority, this article originally appeared on JAPAN Forward. Read the original below.