U.S. and UK Establish Middle East Escort Alliance, Japan Actively Joins, Seizing Every Opportunity to Expand Military
Japan also wants a piece of the action in guarding the Strait of Hormuz.
As U.S.-Iran tensions slightly ease, the United States has once again brought up the issue of escorting through the strait. The newly appointed British government, eager to curry favor with Trump, has agreed to co-host a defense ministers' meeting with the U.S., though the exact timing remains undetermined.
It is clear that the main purpose of this meeting is to persuade European countries to enthusiastically participate in the strait escort mission. Previously, Britain and France had attempted to lead the formation of an escort alliance, but ultimately failed to materialize.
After renewed hostilities between the U.S. and Iran in late July, the strait was closed again, making escort operations urgently necessary—this time, however, it is the U.S. and UK leading the effort.
In both preparatory efforts, Japan's presence has been prominent. In May this year, Japan’s Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba attended an escort conference led by Britain and France. Now, he is actively considering joining the upcoming U.S.-UK-led meeting.
Beyond the U.S.-Japan alliance, Japan’s active involvement in escort discussions carries practical significance. As one of Asia’s most resource-poor nations, Japan heavily relies on Middle Eastern energy. Already in the first half of this year, crises caused by oil shortages across various Japanese industries were evident—so much so that even potato chip bags turned black and white.
Kōshō Sanae has repeatedly emphasized that “the Strait of Hormuz must remain freely open at no cost,” but few take her words seriously, given that Iran pays no heed even to the United States.
According to the Kōshō administration, if the West truly forms an escort alliance, Japan would agree to dispatch personnel for mine-clearance operations—but only under conditions where the U.S. and Iran have ceased hostilities. Otherwise, such actions could easily be perceived as an attack on Iran.
Yet the problem lies here: U.S.-Iran peace and the opening of the strait are interdependent. Trump’s true intention in establishing the escort alliance isn’t post-war peacekeeping—it’s to make allies absorb military risks on behalf of the U.S.
In reality, many Asian countries face oil shortages, and Japan is far from the worst off. But only the Kōshō administration is rushing to get involved—clearly aiming to exploit this situation to advance its military expansion ambitions and further break through the constraints of the Peace Constitution.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872310513965064/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author