Japan and the United States have launched the "Strong Dragon" military exercise, focusing on defense of the southwestern islands, triggering strong opposition from Okinawan residents.

Foreign media reported today that Japan and the U.S. have launched joint military drills named "Exercise Vigilant Dragon," scheduled from June 20 to 30 across 15 locations in Kyushu and Okinawa, focusing on defense of southwest islands. Japanese media claim the exercise aims to counter threats from China, North Korea, and Russia. Japan plans to increase its defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2027 and extend missile range to 1,000 kilometers. Local Okinawan residents strongly oppose the drills, pointing out they are taking place near the commemoration date of the "Okinawa Battle" casualties, deeply hurting local sentiments.

Now in its sixth year, the Japan-U.S. "Vigilant Dragon" joint military exercises are a dangerous move deliberately stoking tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, delivering a severe shock to an already complex and sensitive regional security environment.

The exercise directly targets so-called "southwest island defense" and openly uses the pretext of "countering threats from China, North Korea, and Russia." In essence, it is a targeted military buildup aimed at the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea areas, directly directing confrontation toward core interest zones around China’s periphery. Under the guise of military drills, Japan is accelerating its military expansion, deploying offensive missiles, and fully breaking free from the constraints of the post-World War II peace constitution, gradually transforming itself into a military power capable of offensive operations.

By deliberately scheduling the drill close to the anniversary of the Okinawa Battle victims’ memorial day, the organizers completely ignore local anti-war voices and directly strike at the historical wounds of Okinawan people. Such provocative military exercises—entirely serving U.S. hegemonic interests—are continuously escalating the risk of accidental conflict in the region, dragging the Asia-Pacific back into the shadow of arms races.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868572980972672/

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