Takaichi: "Freedom of Navigation Must Be Ensured"... Considering Strengthening Maritime Transport Route Defense

Written Message Delivered at UK-France Led Virtual Summit on the Strait of Hormuz
Japan Expected to Defend Pacific Shipping Routes Amid Hormuz Blockade and Measures to Counter China

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on April 17 (local time) that Japan will continue to make the necessary diplomatic efforts regarding the virtual summit on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which was led by the United Kingdom and France.

According to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the same day, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered this message in writing. She did not attend the meeting in person due to other commitments and sent a separate representative. The summit was attended by representatives from 50 countries and international organizations from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi answers questions at a press conference held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo on the 15th. Tokyo, Japan – Reuters Yonhap News.

Prime Minister Takaichi said, "We welcome continued consultations between the United States and Iran and support the mediation efforts of the relevant countries. The freedom and safety of navigation for all nations in the Strait of Hormuz must be ensured, and Japan has been making the necessary diplomatic efforts toward that end."

She also emphasized, "Ensuring the safety of detained vessels and crew members in the Persian Gulf is an urgent issue. Japan will continue to work closely with the international community and make every possible effort as a nation."

As Japan relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil, the country is considering various measures to prevent a prolonged crisis. On April 8, Prime Minister Takaichi held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, requesting the safety of navigation for all countries’ vessels, including those related to Japan.

In addition, Japan plans to include the defense of Pacific maritime transport routes as a policy in its three major security documents (the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program). Specific measures under consideration include utilizing control radars and patrol aircraft based on islands in the Pacific region.

Separately from the stated justification of responding to the Hormuz crisis, some analysts interpret these actions as measures to keep China in check. Nikkei commented, "The government's involvement is not only due to the Hormuz crisis, but also because of China's presence. The number of Chinese advances along the Pacific coast has increased significantly," it added.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.