Tokyo not considering sending military for US-proposed maritime coalition: Suga

Japan says it is not weighing sending military forces for a US-proposed maritime coalition in a purported mission of protecting maritime shipping lanes in West Asia.

According to Press TV, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Tuesday that there was no change in the country’s stance previously stated by Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

It was “as Minister Iwaya said,” noted the Japanese top government spokesman.

The Japanese defense minister said last week that he had “no plan” to send the Self-Defense Forces to West Asia to join the military coalition envisioned by the US.

Sources said the United States was struggling to win its allies support for the initiative to heighten surveillance of the vital West Asia oil shipping lanes.

Because of fears of confrontation with Iran, any involvement by Washington’s allies is likely be limited to naval personnel and equipment already in place - near the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf and the Bab al-Mandab strait in the Red Sea, two Persian Gulf sources and a British security source said, Reuters reported.

Tensions began after several oil tankers, including one operated by a Japanese shipping firm, were suspiciously targeted near the Persian Gulf last month.

Washington and its staunch regional ally Saudi Arabia quickly blaming Iran for the suspicious attacks. However, Iran has denied all the charges, warning neighbors against false flags by “foreign players.”

The Japanese defense chief said last Tuesday that there have been no more similar attacks, and that threats against Japan in the area are deemed to be “in a temporary lull at present.”

He highlighted the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in West Asia, where US forces were on the verge of taking military action against Iran after Iran shot down a US surveillance drone flying over Iranian waters near the Strait of Hormuz in late June.

Japanese media have said Washington's proposal could be on the agenda during US National Security Adviser John Bolton’s ongoing visit to Tokyo.

Bolton on Monday met Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, Iwaya and National Security Adviser Shotaro Yachi.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that before making a decision on “what to do, Japan would like to make every effort to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States.”

ME