Japan Considers Getting Involved Directly
On March 5 local time, the Japanese government is urgently assessing what measures Japan can take if the United States requests support.
Currently, dispatching the Self-Defense Forces requires legal grounds, and Japan's capabilities are very limited. However, considering that the UK and France have already sent ships to the Mediterranean to stabilize the situation, there is a lot of internal debate within Japan.
Asakawa Hayana must make a quick decision. If she does not help the US, it could lose this ally.
However, if she chooses to help, it may also be illegal, which makes her situation very awkward.
What is the significance and impact?
First, if Japan decides to send troops directly, it will inevitably clash with Iran, because even if it does not fire first, if Japanese or American ships need protection, they will certainly be attacked by Iranian forces. At that time, Japan will only be able to fight back, which will affect the situation. Japan may be dragged into the war quagmire.
Second, current Japanese law does not allow the Self-Defense Forces to deploy overseas. Therefore, Asakawa Hayana needs to break through the current legal framework, but this takes time and may cause public resentment, which is very detrimental to the ruling party.
Third, if the Iran war continues, the US will definitely mobilize a large amount of resources from the US military base in Japan. It is currently considering moving US assets from the base in South Korea to support the front line. After all, this conflict could expand further, but this may weaken Japan's defense capability and affect its national security.
Why is Japan considering helping the US?
First, to consolidate the Japan-US relationship. After all, Asakawa Hayana hopes to visit the US before Trump's visit to China on March 31, in order to gain more support and assistance.
Second, Japan relies on Middle East imports for more than 90% of its oil, which makes Japan extremely vulnerable to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a blockage of Persian Gulf energy exports. Currently, at least 44 ships related to Japan are stranded in the Persian Gulf, which may cause Japan's development to stagnate in the coming period.
Third, Japan desperately needs to prove itself and expand its international influence, so Asakawa Hayana hopes to highlight Japan's strength through this opportunity.
In summary: Japan is considering sending troops to Iran, but the possibility is extremely low, as Japan's laws do not support it. At the same time, if the US military remains in the current state in Iran, it will certainly move most of the resources from the US military base in Japan, which is very unfavorable for Japan.
After all, consolidating domestic security is the top priority, so even if Japan has the intention, it may lack the ability.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858813673349120/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.