The Strait of Hormuz, as seen from space. (Image: Los Angeles Times)

Japan disagrees with the U.S regarding Strait of Hormuz

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Editorial
Opinion
Jul 28, 2019
1825
TOKYO - Considering the condition where Japan and the U.S are allies, is it the right step for Japan? Recently, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, made his way to the headlines once more by proposing an idea to send the U.S Navy to guard oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The idea was stated by Secretary of State of the U.S, Mike Pompeo, in an interview on Thursday (25/7).

In recent months several cases occurred over the location said to be the most strategic trade route. From the takedown of the U.S drone until the seizure of British oil tankers. Of course, the incidents are related to the bilateral enmity between the U.S and Iran.

As a partner of the U.S, Pompeo later stated that the U.S asked its coalition to join its effort in maintaining peace in the Strait of Hormuz. The invitation also got onto the hand of Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. Both Japan and South Korea (S. Korea) form trilateral relations with the U.S. Therefore, it would be usual if Japan fulfilled the invitation.

However, Japan seems to disagree with the idea at least according to the Japanese Minister of Defense, Takeshi Iwaya. The Japanese prefer using a diplomatic approach to sending their navy fleets there. Moreover, Japan is more interested in keeping the Strait of Hormuz and other waters safe from sea mines, which is also the interests of other Asian countries.

Indeed, Japan is trying its best to alleviate tensions between the U.S and Iran. In June, it is one of Abe’s agendas to convey Trump’s proposals for Iran. However, Washington suddenly called these proposals off and instead, they slapped sanctions on Iran, making it even more difficult for Abe and Japan to reach their goal.

Sending fleets to the Strait of Hormuz itself is a dangerous action considering the tension between the U.S and Iran, let alone the sea mines planted beneath the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. The result will be body bags which could lead to war between the U.S and Iran. Therefore, it is almost certain that the Japanese have taken a measured and robust action by picking diplomatic option rather than the military one.

Source: https://en.mehrnews.com/news/148161/Japan-opposes-joining-US-proposed-coalition-in-Strait-of-Hormuz

Politics , Opinion , U.S , Japan , Iran , Tension , Military , Diplomatic