Protests Against Japan-U.S. Joint Military Exercises in Various Parts of Japan

Xinhua News Agency, Tokyo, June 20 (Reporter Liang Chen, Li Ziyue) According to Japanese media reports on the 20th, in response to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military launching the large-scale joint military exercise "Resolute Dragon" in Kyushu, Okinawa, and other locations, citizen groups and local residents in various parts of Japan have protested, demanding the cessation of the military exercise to avoid escalating regional tensions.

Residents of Yamato Town in Kumamoto Prefecture recently submitted a protest document to relevant authorities, expressing their concerns about the low-altitude flight training of the U.S. military's "Osprey" transport aircraft during the exercise. Protesters also stated that the Japan-U.S. joint military exercise would stir up regional situations and further exacerbate tensions between Japan and neighboring countries.

Earlier this month, a citizen group in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture, held a press conference demanding the halt of the military exercise, criticizing that the exercise would bring significant impact and anxiety to residents' lives. In addition, citizen groups and residents in places like Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture also held protest rallies or made representations to relevant authorities, demanding the cessation of the military exercise.

According to Japanese media reports, the "Resolute Dragon" military exercise involves approximately 9,600 participants from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Marine Corps, focusing on "island defense" and other main content, and will last from June 20 to 30.

For a long time, Japan and the U.S. have frequently conducted joint military exercises across Japan, provoking strong opposition and concern from local residents.