Vital alliance between US and Japan is "rock solid"

US SECRETARY of state Hillary Clinton has described the American alliance with Japan as "rock solid".

The two nations have played down their feud over a US air base on Japan's southern Okinawa island, emphasising instead their alliance, which is more vital than ever given the regional threats from North Korea.

Mrs Clinton said the two allies were working together to resolve their dispute over the US marines' Futenma base. She told a Tokyo news conference: "This partnership is essential for meeting the challenges not only of today but also of tomorrow."

Japanese voter perception that prime minister Yukio Hatoyama has mishandled the row is eroding support before a mid-year election his party needs to win to avoid policy paralysis. It has even sparked speculation he may resign.