【Is the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Using the Strait of Hormuz to Go to Sea?】 On the 22nd, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told Fuji Television that if the US and Iran reach a ceasefire agreement on their ongoing war, Tokyo may deploy troops in the Strait of Hormuz to clear mines to ensure the safety of shipping lanes. (Figure two is the Japanese "Sugashima-class" minehunter.)
His original words were: "Japan's mine-clearing technology is at the top level in the world. If a ceasefire is achieved, and mines become an obstacle, it will be considered."
About Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati who, in a phone interview with Kyodo News, said he would allow Japanese ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Motegi clarified that this was not discussed during his conversation with the Iranian foreign minister.
Motegi had spoken with Velayati twice on March 9th and 17th. Frequent communications are related to the fact that Japan imports 90% of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
As the country with the greatest economic interest in the strait passage and the most advanced mine-clearing technology to restore passage, Japan proposed to conduct mine clearance after a ceasefire. What is the real intention behind this?
Trump's global call for warships to provide escort, as the most loyal follower, Japan has been doing its best to cooperate, naturally thinking about minehunters.
Motegi's real meaning is to wait for a ceasefire before taking action, but if a peaceful ceasefire is reached, Iran is likely to retrieve those smart mines, which are essentially Iranian property, and Japan would have no right to touch them anymore.
Then why would the Maritime Self-Defense Force go out?
The Japanese skillfully positioned themselves outside the combatants, but their involvement role and degree in the entire situation still have careful calculations and considerations.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860352337920138/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.