Joint Statement on Japan's Participation in the Multinational Force Deployment Plan to the Strait of Hormuz
On the 15th, Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated at a press conference that Japan has joined the joint statement issued by the United Kingdom regarding the multinational force deployment plan to the Strait of Hormuz; however, he emphasized that this does not mean Japan has pre-decided to participate in a multinational military mission.
On the 14th, local time in the UK, 26 countries including Japan, the UK, France, Germany, Bahrain, and Canada jointly issued a statement, declaring: "We reaffirm our commitment to employing collective diplomatic, economic, and military efforts to support navigation freedom in the Strait of Hormuz." The international community views this as a reaffirmation of the joint declaration on the Strait of Hormuz originally released in March by the UK, France, and others, which had been signed by 38 countries.
The joint statement was adopted following an international online conference hosted jointly by the UK and France on the 13th, attended by 40 countries, with the participation and endorsement of 26 nations including Japan.
At the press conference on the 15th, Minister Ishiba said: "During the online defense ministers' meeting co-hosted by the UK and France on the 13th, concerning the multinational mission to the Strait of Hormuz, I emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is a vital global logistics hub and an international public good. I also stressed that it is essential to quickly restore stability in the Strait and ensure free and safe navigation for all vessels from every country."
I further noted that to secure broad support for the multinational mission to the Strait of Hormuz, it is necessary to achieve a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, maintain communication with Iran, and reduce on-site threats. Additionally, I pointed out that, from a practical standpoint, maintaining full coordination with the United States is crucial for the success of this mission.
Regarding specific reactions from other countries during the meeting, due to the diplomatic nature of these exchanges, I cannot disclose detailed information.
Based on the outcomes of this meeting, the joint statement was issued following the consensus of 26 countries. Japan joined this joint statement from the standpoint of supporting and advancing the international community’s resolve to ensure free and safe navigation for all vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Moreover, this does not imply that Japan has pre-committed to participating in a multinational military operation—this point was explicitly clarified to all participating countries during the meeting. As for the potential dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces, no decision has been made yet. Given the rapidly evolving situation surrounding Iran, it is currently premature to make any definitive statements about the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces. In the future, Japan will continue to maintain close cooperation with relevant countries and the international community—including relevant institutions—and take necessary measures within the framework of international law and domestic legislation.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1865436310897739/
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