According to Jiji Press on March 5, due to U.S. President Trump's proposal to escort oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the Japanese government is urgently assessing what countermeasures Japan could take if the U.S. requests support. Currently, dispatching the Self-Defense Forces requires a legal basis, and the actions Japan can take are limited. Considering that the UK and France have already sent ships to the Mediterranean to stabilize the situation, there are voices within the Japanese government saying "we cannot just ride on others' coattails." Prime Minister Asahiro may face a difficult decision.

The report states that the most discussed legal basis within the Japanese government is the Security Legislation. This law defines "a situation where failure to respond would have an important impact on Japan's peace and security" as an "important impact situation." Such situations have no geographical restrictions, and Japan can provide ammunition and refueling services to foreign militaries.

Additionally, the relevant law defines "a situation where a country closely related to Japan suffers a military attack, which in turn threatens Japan's own survival" as a "situational crisis." In such a situation, Japan can exercise the right of collective self-defense, but its determination requires a cabinet meeting decision and approval by the Diet.

There are also many voices strongly arguing that it is too early to discuss the issue of dispatching forces. A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs optimistically expects: "President Trump should also be aware that Japan cannot go to dangerous areas. Perhaps the U.S. will not even request support."

According to Kyodo News on March 4, due to the de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the Countermeasures Headquarters of the Japan Shipowners Association, composed of shipping companies, held its first meeting in Tokyo on April 4. At the meeting, it was reported that according to data updated on the morning of April 4, there were 44 Japanese-related ships stranded in the Persian Gulf. It is understood that food and drinking water are currently secured, and no reports of damage or victimization have been received yet.

Source: Cankao Xinwen

Original article: toutiao.com/article/7613634981394498111/

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