Ginowan (Japan) (AFP) – For decades, residents of Japan’s Okinawa have strongly opposed the US military bases that dot the region but a subtle shift is under way, driven by Chinese sabre-rattling and economic challenges. The bases are often seen as a disproportionate burden for Japan’s sub-tropical southernmost region. Okinawa comprises 0.6 percent of the Japanese archipelago’s territory but contains 70 percent of the land used for US bases, and over half the 50,000-strong troop presence. Base-related crime, accidents and pollution are potent irritants for Okinawa’s 1.5 million residents. But …