U.S. troop reduction in Japan

It may at first seem counterintuitive that an increased threat from North Korea has resulted in a reduction of U.S. troops in the region. North Korean nuclear antics, although not solely responsible, have helped Japan embrace constitutional changes that will allow it to take a more active role in regional security. One result, and again this is an issue with more than one side, is that 7,000 U.S. Marines will be leaving Okinawa, Japan.

UPDATE, 30 October: The U.S.-Japan agreement also includes, “…the construction of a new generation of radar equipment in Japan as part of a missile defense system.”

UPDATE, 31 October: From the Dong-A Ilbo, ‘China Promises North Korea $2 Billion’:

According to the Hong Kong newspaper, China’s aid will be aimed at reviving North Korea’s heavy industry… “The stronger alliance between the U.S. and Japan increases the “˜strategic value’ of North Korea. And to China, the stability of the North Korean regime is ever more important. This is why China decided to extend financial help to the North,” according to a source in Beijing. (emphasis added)