Gates: Disputed U.S. airfield should stay on Okinawa

Pentagon chief Robert Gates did not specifically mention the controversy over the Futenma base, a major U.S. Marines hub, during brief remarks with Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada.

But the defense secretary made clear that the Obama administration would frown on any action by Tokyo to block a new runway at another base on Okinawa when Futenma is closed.

"As your government exercises its new responsibilities, I want you to know the United States stands with you," Gates told Okada at the start of their half-hour meeting in Tokyo. "And we are committed to advancing and implementing our agreed alliance transformation agenda."

Okada also did not delve into any specific topics when he told Gates the administration of newly elected Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama would seek a "deeper and sustainable" relationship with the U.S.

"Of course, we have a lot of challenges," Okada added.

At issue is the fate of the air field in the wake of Hatoyama's election last month.

Three years ago, U.S. and Japanese officials agreed to shift 8,000 Marines in Okinawa to the U.S. territory of Guam and to move the Futenma air field base to Camp Schwab, also on the southern Japanese island.

But some members of Hatoyama's government want all remaining U.S. troops moved out of Japan altogether. Okinawa residents have complained that the military bases cause too much noise and crime.

U.S. officials hope to resolve the issue by the time President Barack Obama arrives in Japan early next month. Gates will meet with Hatoyama on Wednesday.

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