US military air base relocation angers Okinawanshome/News/World/US military air base relocation angers OkinawansTOKYO: Japan on Friday resumed work to relocate a controversial US military airbase in Okinawa, prompting protests and “strong anger” from the local governor. Local media said protestors demonstrated at the site, including some who paddled out to sea to try to block the work. For decades, residents have asked for some of the bases to be moved, with resentment growing after a string of accidents and crimes committed by US military personnel and base workers. On Friday, government spokesman Yoshihide Suga repeated that the government regards the plan as “the only solution” to maintain an important US military presence while addressing local concerns. Okinawa is set to hold a non-binding local referendum on February 24 about the planned base relocation.

Source: Manila Times December 14, 2018 17:48 UTC