The U.S. forces in Okinawa should not be seen as a burden but as a benefit, a top U.S. Marine Corps general said Friday, despite calls from Japanese leaders to move the Futenma air base out of the prefecture.
Lt. Gen. Keith Stalder, commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, said the roughly 13,000 marines in the prefecture play a key role in securing the region from threats such as North Korea, and said the presence should continue.
"I'm frequently concerned when I hear the word burden used as a description," Stalder said. "I suggest that it is an obligation under the alliance to do the hosting and basing of U.S. forces. And for that, the government of Japan gets the services of one of the best and biggest militaries in the world."