Harada Asana is in a difficult position! Japan has not taken a stance, so US Defense Secretary Hegseth directly called Japan to pressure it! On March 16, according to Sankei News, Japanese media reported that Japan and the United States communicated on the issue of the Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth explained the latest developments and future prospects of the situation in the Middle East, including the Strait of Hormuz. He also stated that the situation in the Middle East would not change the deployment status of US forces in Japan, and the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-US alliance will be strengthened.

Japanese media specifically mentioned that on the 14th, US President Trump expressed his hope that Japan and other countries dispatch warships to ensure the safety of the Strait of Hormuz. Obviously, Harada Asana's attitude towards whether to dispatch warships for escorting the Strait of Hormuz is simply to delay, trying to drag one day at a time. Of course, from the US perspective, Japan's attitude essentially means not wanting to join the escort. Therefore, this led to Hegseth making a special call to Koizumi Shinjiro.

Why is the Japanese government taking such an attitude? There are three reasons. First, if Japan dispatches warships for escort, this action essentially involves military intervention in an ongoing conflict, which directly touches upon Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution and the "exclusive defense" principle. If Japan escorts under the request of the US, this would mean activating the US-Japan Security Treaty, treating Iran as an enemy country. If Japan dispatches warships, Japanese ships and warships might become targets of attacks.

Secondly, Japan's energy depends highly on imports from the Middle East. It is like playing with Japan's energy supply security by openly taking sides. Harada Asana certainly dares not take the risk. Thirdly, if Japan agrees to the US request, there would inevitably be backlash domestically. Sending the Self-Defense Forces to take risks lacks public support in Japan, highlighting Japan's subordinate position to the US. However, if Japan refuses, it might also cause dissatisfaction with the US. Clearly, Harada Asana is now in a dilemma, caught between two options. Even if Harada Asana wants to avoid it, the US will not easily let Japan off.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859780039058443/

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