Japan-US Security Treaty 50th anniversary

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the revision of the Japan-US Security Treaty. US and Japanese researchers met to discuss the relocation of Futenma Air Station and the future of Japan-US relations at a symposium in Tokyo on Thursday.

A former US ambassador to Japan, Michael Armacost, indicated that the US government is demanding a resolution to the base issue too quickly from an administration that has recently assumed office.

Armacost said it's important to remember the value of the Japan-US alliance at a time when China is growing and North Korea is carrying out provocative acts.

One panelist said Japan-US cooperation will increase in importance as the two countries each face the complicated issue of competition and cooperation with China.

Another participant said the Japan-US secret pacts should be a lesson to remember, and that the two governments should release information needed by people who want to discuss issues related to the alliance