TOKYO, Jan 28 (NNN-NHK) – Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, Denny Tamaki, has requested a detailed explanation from the Japanese government, on its plan to strengthen defence forces in the south-west region, which was mentioned in the updated security documents.
The governor made the request when submitting a petition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, local media reported.
Tamaki met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kenji Yamada, and handed over the petition, asking the government to immediately elaborate on the development process of the new security documents, its impact on local areas, and the changes it might bring to the residents of Okinawa, Kyodo News reported.
Last Dec, the Japanese government approved three updated documents on its security and defence policies, namely the new National Security Strategy, the National Defence Strategy and the Defence Buildup Programme.
The documents all mentioned strengthening Japan’s self-defence forces on Okinawa, with greater access to local airfields and ports.
Analysts here said, the release of the documents marks a fundamental shift in Japan’s post-war security ideology and defence policy, in complete violation of its exclusively defensce-oriented policy and pacifism, embodied in the Constitution of Japan.
Such a major policy shift lacked parliament discussion, or any explanation to Okinawa residents, who will be most affected, experts noted.– NNN-NHK
