03:22Japan: Protesters block Ishigaki port as army deploys military equipment in new garrison near Taiwan
Locals blocked Ishigaki’s port entrance on Saturday as the Japanese army deployed military equipment, including surface-to-ship and surface-to-air missiles, into its new garrison near Taiwan.
Footage shows police officers dispersing several protesters from the port’s entrance gate to make space for the military equipment.
"If you have a base, you are a target. That's why there has never been a base on this island. On this island that has not existed for seventy-eight years since the war, a base was built and opened in this way, and today ammunition, missiles, and other weapons are being brought in again. That's still wrong. I don't think you can protect our lives and livelihoods in this way," said Fujii, one of the protesters.
"When this comes, there is a good chance that we will be hit from elsewhere. We don't want to lose young people. We are working hard for that," added Masse, another protester.
According to local media, the new garrison, which covers an area of about 47 hectares, will be protected by 570 military officers.
03:22Locals blocked Ishigaki’s port entrance on Saturday as the Japanese army deployed military equipment, including surface-to-ship and surface-to-air missiles, into its new garrison near Taiwan.
Footage shows police officers dispersing several protesters from the port’s entrance gate to make space for the military equipment.
"If you have a base, you are a target. That's why there has never been a base on this island. On this island that has not existed for seventy-eight years since the war, a base was built and opened in this way, and today ammunition, missiles, and other weapons are being brought in again. That's still wrong. I don't think you can protect our lives and livelihoods in this way," said Fujii, one of the protesters.
"When this comes, there is a good chance that we will be hit from elsewhere. We don't want to lose young people. We are working hard for that," added Masse, another protester.
According to local media, the new garrison, which covers an area of about 47 hectares, will be protected by 570 military officers.