Hillary Clinton Accepts Japan's Delay on US Base Decision

"The Japanese government has explained the process they are pursuing to reach a resolution" on relocating the Futenma air station, "and we respect that," she told a news conference after meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada at a Honolulu hotel.

Clinton apparently received no explicit promise from Okada that Japan would not force Futenma off its territory entirely. The U.S. military views Futenma as critical to its strategy for defending not only Japan but also reinforcing allied forces in the event of war on the Korean peninsula.

Okada told reporters that he reiterated his government's pledge to reach a decision on relocation of Futenma by May. He said Tokyo would determine the future of the air station in a way that would have "minimal impact on the U.S.-Japan alliance."

In a nod to Japanese sensitivities, Clinton said it was important for the U.S. to maintain its role in contributing to stability in the Asia-Pacific region while keeping in mind the need to reduce the impact of jet noise and other inconveniences to local communities near U.S. bases.