Historical Dictionary of United States-Japan ... - Bakumatsu Films

CHRONOLOGY • xxxvii
Anniversary of the end of World War II. The statement says, “During a
certain period in the not too distant past, Japan, following a mistaken
national policy advanced along the road to war, only to ensnare the
Japanese people in a fateful crisis, and, through its colonial rule and aggression,
caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of
many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations.” He also expresses
“profound gratitude for the indispensable support and assistance
extended to Japan by the countries of the world, beginning with the
United States of America.” 4 September: Three American servicemen
abduct and rape an Okinawan schoolgirl. The crime renews tensions
about the U.S. military presence in Japan.
1996 March: China carries out a missile firing exercise in the Taiwan
Strait, and the United States dispatched the Seventh Fleet to the area
around Taiwan. 12 April: Washington and Tokyo agree on the return of
the Futenma Base in Okinawa to Japan. 17 April: Japan–U.S. Joint Declaration
on Security, Alliance for the 21st Century. 2 December: Security
Consultative Committee approves of the Special Action Committee
on Okinawa Final Report. 15 December: Conclusion of U.S.–Japan insurance
consultations.
1997 23 September: Completion of review of Guidelines for U.S.–
Japan Defense Cooperation.
1998 20 September: Washington and Tokyo conclude a basic agreement
on joint research into the Theater Missile Defense initiative. 23 November:
The Department of States issues the United States Security
Strategy for the East Asia Pacific Region. 5 December: The Security
Council of Japan approved “Japan–U.S. Technology Research concerning
Ballistic Missile Defense.” 22 December: Introduction of an intelligence-gathering
satellite is adopted at a Cabinet meeting.
1999 24 May: Relevant Laws for a Review of the Guidelines for
U.S.–Japan Defense Cooperation (U.S.–Japan New Guidelines) enacted.
16 August: the U.S. and Japanese governments officially agree
on a U.S.–Japan Joint Technological Study concerning Ballistic Missile
Defense.
2000 11 October: The United States issues Special Report The United
States and Japan: Advancing Toward a Mature Partnership.