Analysts say the election is a reality check for Beijing, which has sought to leverage local opposition to US-Japan military ties
4-MIN READ4-MINAlyssa ChenPublished: 11:00am, 16 Sep 2026The leadership change in Okinawa could deal a quiet blow to Beijing’s attempts to leverage local opposition to remilitarisation and the US-Japan military alliance, according to analysts.
For Beijing, which has long cultivated relationships with Okinawan leaders who challenge Tokyo’s defence policies, Koja’s win represents the loss of a sympathetic subnational partner.
