"Japan's Top Court Upholds Controversial US Military Runway Construction in Okinawa"

Japan's Supreme Court has ordered Okinawa to approve the central government's plan to build U.S. Marine Corps runways on the island, dismissing the prefecture's rejection. The construction, which was suspended due to protests, will now move forward despite concerns about environmental damage. Okinawa, which hosts the majority of U.S. military facilities in Japan, has long called for a reduction of American troops and the closure of the Futenma base. The decision comes as tensions with China increase and Okinawa's strategic role in the Japan-U.S. military alliance becomes more important.