In Japan's Okinawa, China tensions prompt changing views of US military bases

US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircrafts are seen at the US Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Ginowan on Japan's southernmost island of Okinawa, March 24, 2018. [Reuters]

Public sentiment toward U.S. military bases on the southern Japanese islands of Okinawa appears to be changing, amid growing tensions with China and the shock of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The United States has around 30,000 active troops in Okinawa deployed in numerous bases across the main island, including some in the middle of built-up residential areas.