The exercise, the first for the island city of Ishigaki — closer to China and Taiwan than to the Japanese mainland — is being repeated across the country as increasingly restive neighbors heighten concerns about war. Five missiles landed near Ishigaki in Japan’s exclusive economic zone in Okinawa Prefecture, which covers more than 150 islands between Taiwan and the Japanese mainland. Deteriorating relations between the United States and China have put Japan, a key U.S. ally, in a precarious position. (Hiro Komae / Associated Press)Okinawa’s governor is staunchly opposed to expanding U.S. and Japanese bases on the island. “I think the very existence of the U.S. military bases is a deterrent that will keep Okinawa from going to war,” Shimoji said.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 28, 2024 20:53 UTC