Japanese Media: Okinawa Citizens Discontent with US-Japan "Iron Fist" Military Exercises
【环球时报特约记者 伊文】据日本琉球广播公司11日报道，代号“铁拳”的日美联合军演当日起在九州、冲绳及山口县展开，旨在强化离岛防卫能力。这是该联合军演连续第四年在日本境内举行，约800名美国海军陆战队士兵、2100名美国海军人员以及日本陆上自卫队和海上自卫队约2000名队员参演，规模创历史之最。
今年的“铁拳”联合军演将持续至3月9日，为期约一个月。美国海军学会新闻网报道称，此次演习将涵盖联合指挥、两栖登陆、空中突击、近距离空中支援目标指示、水域与地面障碍物清除、后勤、医疗和通信等训练内容，分为两个独立阶段。日本方面发布的新闻稿称，演习目的在于进行美日联合两栖作战训练，以提升互操作性与两栖作战能力。日本《冲绳时报》11日称，两架日本V-22“鱼鹰”倾转旋翼机将首次与美国海军陆战队军机展开协同训练。
美国《星条旗报》报道称，“铁拳”联合军演旨在磨练美日两军共同进行两栖登陆作战和“保卫台湾东部岛屿领土”的能力。据日本《冲绳时报》报道，演习开始前，包括“冲绳不要战争、生命至上”在内的6个冲绳市民团体发表共同声明，要求停止此次演习。
The U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy, alongside the Japan Self-Defense Forces, commenced the 'Iron Fist' joint military exercise in Kyushu, Okinawa, and Yamaguchi Prefecture, aimed at enhancing island defense capabilities. The exercise, involving approximately 800 U.S. Marines and 2100 U.S. Navy personnel, will last until March 9, 2023, and includes training in amphibious operations and joint command. Local groups in Okinawa have voiced their opposition to the exercise.
- The 'Iron Fist' exercise is taking place in Kyushu, Okinawa, and Yamaguchi Prefecture.
- Approximately 800 U.S. Marines and 2100 U.S. Navy personnel are participating.
- The exercise aims to enhance joint amphibious operations and interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces.
- This is the fourth consecutive year the exercise is held in Japan, with the largest scale to date.
- Local Okinawan groups have expressed opposition to the exercise, calling for its cancellation.