US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says Japan's share of the cost to transfer Marines from Okinawa to Guam should not be reduced, even if the relocation plan scales down.

Panetta made the comment at a US House Committee hearing on Wednesday.

The Japanese government may seek a reduction in its share of the cost as the US government is planning to lower the number of relocated troops to 4,700.

Japan and the United States had previously agreed Japan would pay 6.1 billion dollars, around 60 percent of the entire cost to transfer 8,000 Marines to Guam.

Asked about possible cuts in Japan's cost sharing in line with the revised plan, he said there will be no reductions.

Panetta added the Japanese government is generous and pledged continued support whatever modifications are made to the original plan.

Observers say the US government is likely to ask Japan to share as much financial burden as possible in an effort to persuade Congress to accept the plan. Congress is demanding massive cuts in defense expenditures.

News credit: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120216_20.html

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