Marines relocate from Okinawa to ease local tensions

The United States has commenced the process of relocating thousands of Marines from the Japanese island of Okinawa. This decision is in response to long-standing complaints from local communities regarding the presence of American military bases. As reported by "Barron's", the first group of approximately 100 Marines has already been transferred to the island of Guam.

In 2012, the U.S. announced plans to move 9,000 Marines from Okinawa, where military bases have been perceived as a burden. Residents have raised concerns about pollution, noise, and helicopter accidents. The relocation began with the transfer of a small logistics unit to Guam.

Although Okinawa comprises only 0.6% of Japan's territory, it hosts over half of the 50,000 American soldiers stationed in the country. The Marines' relocation aims to reduce this burden.

As reported by "Barron's", Marines will be transferred to other locations in the Pacific. New bases will be established in Hawaii and Australia.

Okinawa is strategically located east of Taiwan, making it a key point amidst tensions between the U.S. and China. Beijing asserts its rights to Taiwan and does not rule out using force to take control of the island.

Meanwhile, Washington remains Taiwan's most important ally, providing it with arms. At the same time, Taipei maintains "strategic ambiguity" regarding potential military support.

The presence of American troops on Okinawa has been repeatedly criticized. In 1995, a brutal crime occurred—the abduction and assault of a 12-year-old girl by three U.S. military personnel. This resulted in a wave of protests and calls for the revision of the 1960 agreement, allowing the U.S. to station troops in Japan.