I guess Guam is the best option for the US military. I do not think any local Japanese in any part of Japan would feel safer to have a US military base near by. But the majority of Japanese bureaucracy, media and the business are different animals. It is the corrupt service business in Okianawa that favors US militarymen in Okinawa. They run the catering business, including the women trade.
I respect and value your opinion, a lot more so than many members on PDF as I feel you are one of the more qualitative members, but in this instance I cannot take it at face value. "
I guess Guam is the best option for the US military", I'm aware of the prevailing feelings among Chinese nationals towards the US military in the region, they typically want the US pushed back as far as they can get it to go... generally this is a reference to Guam. I'm not saying you, as a person bearing a Chinese flag has an ulterior motive for suggesting Guam, perhaps you do believe it to be the best option (I don't), I just can't accept this view at face value. Sorry, but I've seen this suggestion too many times before. As for corruption, I am in no position to make judgement either way so I'll avoid commenting on it.
Perhaps you can help convince me that Guam is the best option for the US presence in Japan to be moved to. What makes it best for both nations?
You know that the United States and Japan have an agreement that allows US military vessels to use Japanese Military Bases in Misawa, Yokosuka, Maizuru, Sasebo, Iwakuni, and Yokota. So, Okinawa is not the only limiting factor.
Perhaps we can realize something wherein US Military Forces in Okinawa can be distributed throughout Japan's own Military Bases. This would allow greater fusion of our Military Forces , anyways. And it solves the problem of base relocation.
True, true, but the facilities in Okinawa are much more useful to the US military due to their familiarity and location nearest to the SCS, they are near perfect spot to allow the US military easy access and quick access to the SCS. Rebasing them is an option, one that has been talked about and one I support if a hold on Futenma can't be secured in the future, but Futenma remains the ideal option for the US military in the region.
And for all the Chinese members here, jumping for joy, STOP!!! The US military isn't going anywhere, and we certainly are not retreating back across the sea. We will remain in the SCS whether you want us there or not... because other regional nations do.