Okinawans oppose new reinforced U.S. naval base: JCP Akamine

The U.S. Forces in Japan is attempting to expand its base in Naha Port in Okinawa, so that it can harbor large warships like a 80,000-ton class U.S. aircraft carrier or an assault landing ship.

The Japanese government presented a rough plan for the new military base in a meeting on January 23 with the Okinawa prefectural government and Naha and Urasoe city governments. The plan was approved by the local governments.

The plan is to replace the present U.S. Naha naval base in Naha City with a new base to be constructed in the Urasoe City portion of Naha Port. The new base will be about 35 hectares and 12-15 meters deep. The present one is less than ten meters deep.

Also, the new planned stronghold that can anchor at least two major vessels at a time is adjacent to the U.S. Marine Corps Makiminato Service Area, with an area of 270 hectares.

The Japanese government explained to the local governments that the United States has no intention of making calls at the new port by a U.S. aircraft carrier or nuclear-powered submarines.

Akahata of January 25 reported that Japanese Communist Party Akamine Seiken, member of the House of Representatives, pointed out that the new base plan is something Okinawans cannot accept. The agreement between the central and local governments must be canceled, and the present U.S. Naha Port be returned to Japan immediately and unconditionally, he stressed.

The JCP is resolved to oppose the new base plan together with the association against replacement of U.S. Naha military port to Urasoe, Akamine added. (end)