Chinese groups backing Okinawa independence activists to divide public opinion, says Japan

Tokyo

CHINESE universities and think-tanks are forming ties with Okinawan independence groups in a bid to divide public opinion in Japan, a Japanese government agency said in an annual report.

By deepening ties with independence activists on the subtropical islands that host the bulk of US forces in Japan, China hopes to swing public opinion in its favour and spark a split within Japan, the Public Security Intelligence Agency said without elaborating. The agency also said in the report published last week that Japan must pay attention to Chinese activities with regard to Okinawa.