The U.S. bases in Okinawa are strategically necessary and marines are prepared to die to protect Japan, the commander of the U.S. Marine Corps of the Pacific said Wednesday in Tokyo.
During a speech hosted by the Tokyo American Center in Minato Ward, Lt. Gen. Keith Stalder said the U.S. understands that the alliance is not symmetrical, as Japan bears no responsibility to protect the United States, but it does shoulder the obligation of providing bases to U.S. forces.
"I want to make this clear — all of the marines standing in this room, all of my marines on Okinawa are willing to die if necessary for the security of Japan," Stalder said. "That is our role in the alliance. Japan does not have a reciprocal obligation to defend the United States, but it absolutely must provide the bases and training that U.S. forces need."