China News Service, July 16 (Xinhua)-According to a report by the Kyodo News Agency, the Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono held talks with the governor of Okinawa, Yucheng, about the spread of the new crown epidemic at the U.S. military base in Okinawa. Yucheng submitted a petition, requesting the Japanese government to urge the United States to thoroughly implement anti-epidemic measures such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for inbound US troops.

　　According to reports, Yucheng also requested to stop sending US troops from the United States to Okinawa and provide information on the actions of infected patients who had been operating outside the base. He called for a complete revision of the "Japan-US Status Agreement", including the application of Japanese domestic law to the US military's quarantine.

　　Kono said about the epidemic situation at the US military base, "Under the severe security situation, it will affect the rapid response capability of the US military, so I have strong concerns." He also informed that he would take measures to prevent the impact from affecting Okinawa residents.

　　Yucheng also held talks with Foreign Minister Mogi Minchong in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mogi responded, "We will work with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to respond sincerely." After submitting the petition, Yucheng emphasized to the media that he hopes that the Japanese government will consult with the US.

　　In addition to Kawano and Mogi, Yucheng also held talks with the Deputy Chief of the Government, Sugita Kazuhiro and the Chargé d’affaires of the US Embassy in Japan Joseph Yang.

　　Recently, including the US military's Futenma Airport (Okinawa City, Ginowan City), the new crown epidemic has spread among US troops stationed in Japan. On the 15th, the government of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan confirmed that 36 new confirmed cases of new crowns had been added to the local US military bases in Japan. At present, the cumulative confirmed cases of U.S. forces stationed in Japan have increased to 136.

　　Among them, three relevant personnel of the U.S. military Iwakuni base diagnosed with the new coronavirus entered Tokyo Haneda Airport and arrived at Iwakuni Jindaiqiao Airport by civil aviation plane. But the three had previously lied to Japan about "moving by leased car."