Citing public opposition, Japan cuts financial support for US bases

[spinbaby]

Source: AP

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan will shoulder less of the costs of maintaining American military bases in the country after reaching an agreement with the United States on Wednesday, officials said.

(snip)

Washington had reportedly urged Japan to increase its payments amid rising costs of strengthening its military capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

But Japanese officials balked at the request and demanded cuts instead, citing public opposition to rising costs.

(snip)

The accord comes after Japan ended a six-year mission to refuel U.S.-led coalition warships in the Indian Ocean, amid strong opposition in parliament over the deployment.

Read more: http://mdn.mainichi.jp/national/news/20071213p2a00m0na002000c.html

[acmavm]

1. bush** & Co has made us a beggar nation

[Donkeykick]

2. I only wonder...

just how much $$ it is going to cost us, along with the Afghanistan and Iraq debacle, to keep up with the Pentagon's budget now? :eyes:

[Demeter]

3. Good For Japan! Yanqui Go Home!