Hormuz Strait is in crisis, Japan considers dispatching P3C patrol aircraft for deterrence, a move that sounds the alarm for China!

On March 6, 2026, Asahi Shimbun reported a piece of news: If the United States, due to the tense situation with Iran, requests Japan to escort in the Hormuz Strait, the Japanese government is seriously considering sending the Self-Defense Forces' P-3C anti-submarine patrol aircraft and aerial refueling aircraft to support and deter.

For a country like Japan, which is extremely lacking in resources and relies on imports for more than 90% of its oil, this strait is literally a lifeline. If something goes wrong here, Japan's energy supply and economic operations will face direct impact.

On March 6, the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism confirmed that a Japanese ship docked in the Gulf of Oman was suspected of being hit by falling objects from the air. Although it was only slightly damaged, this was already a real threat signal. To date, there are still 44 Japanese-related ships stranded in the Persian Gulf, including 5 ships carrying 24 Japanese crew members; there are also 4 Japanese ships in the Gulf of Oman. Although these ships have now been moved to relatively safe waters for standby, the risk has not been eliminated.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi revealed that there are currently two Japanese citizens detained in Iran—one was arrested in Tehran on January 20 this year, and the other has been detained since last June. In the context of unresolved hostage issues, if Japan further intervenes militarily in the region, it would be walking a tightrope.

Dage believes that this move may set a rather bad precedent. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces' overseas actions have always been restricted. If they enter a high-risk combat zone under the name of "escort" this time, it is possible that in the future, they could also intervene in the Taiwan Strait under such a pretext. Additionally, the strengthening of U.S.-Japan military presence in the Middle East may indirectly affect our layout in West Asia, and it will completely open the cage that has been restricting Japan's militarism.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859055818968075/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.