Japanese PM meets US defense secretary

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Thursday, 22nd October 2009
In Events In Japan,

Japanese PM meets US defense secretary

The US secretary of defense Robert Gates has met with Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama.

America is looking to come to an agreement with Japan on the stationing of US troops on military bases in the country, after newly-instated prime minster Hatoyama said he wishes to reorganise the troops in Japan and reduce Japan's reliance on the US.

Hatoyama has also previously said that he wants a US Marine base on the southern island of Okinawa totally removed.

Members of his cabinet have called for the complete withdrawal of all US troops from Japan.

In November, US president Barack Obama is due to make a visit to Japan, which is widely thought to be America's most important military alliance in Asia.

US troops have been stationed in Japan since the end of the Second World War and many Japanese who live near troop bases have long complained over the impact on their homes and lifestyles.

Written by Kimberley Homer.