Former Prime Minister Hatoyama criticizes forced Henoko base construction
Former Yukio Hatoyama criticizing the government’s response toward the new Henoko base construction (center), Ryukoku University Professor Yasukatsu Matsushima (right), and Kagoshima University Professor Akira Kimura on October 26 at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan in Tokyo Prefecture.
October 28, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
On October 26, Former Prime Minister and East Asian Community Institute (EACI) Chairman Yukio Hatoyama, Ryukoku University Professor Yasukatsu Matsushima from the Association of Comprehensive Studies for Independence of the Lew Chewans (ACSILs), and Kagoshima University Professor Akira Kimura from the East Asian Community Okinawa held a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan in Tokyo.
They criticized the construction of the helipads in the Northern Training Area (NTA) and forcing through with the construction of the new Henoko base. Hatoyama emphasized that “Decreasing the number of U.S. military bases starting with Okinawa will be important in getting rid of North Korea’s intention of attacking Japan.”
Hatoyama criticized the government’s response regarding North Korea. He said, “It’s a mistake to say that the era for dialogue is over.
Extending sanctions will only lead to war.
It’s because of such thoughts that lead to ideas like constructing new U.S. military bases in Henoko and Takae or strengthening our Self-Defense Forces.
” He then asserted that “China too intends to flex their muscle to threaten us. All we have to do is to get rid of that intention.”
He proposed to decrease the number of U.S. military bases across Japan starting with Okinawa.
He also expressed his opinion that by forming the East Asia Community, Japan would be able to avoid military conflict.
Matsushima rolled out his independence theory.
He said, “Okinawa continues to be a colony.
Militarization of the bases continue and it’s transmitting a message that says, ‘the U.S. and Japan don’t mind going to war.
’ We are focusing on trying to escape from that.”
Kimura presented the activities of the East Asian Community Okinawa that was established last September.
He pointed out the importance of Okinawa exercising its right to self-determination.
(English translation by T&CT and Chelsea Ashimine)
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