U.S. Marines leave Okinawa, raising concerns over military presence in Asia

The partial transfer of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam has commenced, marking a significant development in the long-discussed realignment of American military forces in Japan. This relocation effort was agreed upon around twelve years ago between Japan and the United States, aiming to alleviate the substantial military presence on Okinawa that has been a source of tension with local residents. Initially, 100 personnel from the III Marine Expeditionary Force have moved from Okinawa to Guam to oversee logistics in this first phase of the relocation process. Under the established plan from April 2012, approximately 9,000 of the 19,000 Marines currently stationed on Okinawa will eventually be relocated, with about 4,000 moving to Guam in phases. The U.S. military strategy in the Indo-Pacific region emphasizes the need for a balanced presence, which will involve not only the stationing of troops but also their rotation among locations such as Japan, Guam, and Hawaii. This initiative reflects a sustained commitment to Japan's defense while addressing operational requirements in the region. The Japanese government has invested heavily in the necessary infrastructure on Guam, contributing up to $2.8 billion for the development of U.S. military bases that will accommodate the relocated Marines. The collaborative effort between Japan and the United States includes further investments and improvements, notably the establishment of Camp Blaz, designed to function as a primary installation for Marines stationed on the island. Joint training exercises between the Marines and Japan Self Defense Forces are also anticipated as part of ongoing military cooperation. Okinawa’s residents have historically expressed concerns regarding the American military presence, citing issues such as noise, pollution, and crime related to military personnel. As the transfer process begins, it is expected to be generally welcomed by the local populace seeking a reduction in military activity. However, there remains uncertainty about how this relocation will impact the local situation, particularly as Japan has recently been enhancing its military capabilities amid rising security tensions in the region due to threats from China. This context is compounded by a growing anti-U.S. military sentiment resulting from various incidents, including criminal cases involving U.S. servicemembers, which have generated public outrage and further complicated the bilateral relationship on the ground.