![A general view of the US Futenma Marines air base in Ginowan on the southernwestern Japanese island of Okinawa is seen in this July 16, 2000 file photo. [Reuters]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_t55QSuC68at0_0SpIS34hl14UoqRlmFgmvaOSoEe3A9ObhS3E0IEeiQYLaGboMYO8pilMjZY2YAPQmJMOv5mfdOaNo8G28kH456A1sazR-WCxl4Jf3lcXt0A=s0-d "A general view of the US Futenma Marines air base in Ginowan on the southernwestern Japanese island of Okinawa is seen in this July 16, 2000 file photo. [Reuters]")
A top American diplomat says Washington is commited to relocating an unpopular military base within Japan's southern Okinawa island.
Speaking in Tokyo, the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific affairs, Kurt Campbell, brushed aside calls to freeze the plan.
A group of influential US senators has urged the White House to reconsider plans to relocate the US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma within Okinawa.
They say Tokyo needs to focus on rebuilding from the earthquake and tsunami in March.
Mr Campbell says it's important for both countries to take steps to ease the burden on the people of Okinawa.
Tokyo and Washington have often disagreed over the future of the base.
The locals want it moved because of aircraft noise, the risk of accidents, and crime associated with the base.
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