Japan’s Forgotten Deployment to the Middle East

Yuki Tatsumi | The Diplomat |

On April 24, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presented a set of policy proposals to Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae outlining measures the Japanese government should consider to address challenges posed by the disruption of energy supplies in the Middle East. In addition to looking for alternative fuel sources, the proposal also urged the government to seriously examine the feasibility of deploying Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz once a cease-fire is agreed upon.

As the United States continues to press its allies to “do more” for the safety of the Strait of Hormuz, speculation has already begun to swirl on whether Japan should deploy MSDF vessels in the waters near the Strait of Hormuz for “intelligence-gathering” purpose.

To those who remember Japan’s response to the 1991 Gulf War, this is almost a “deja vu” moment.

Read the full article on The Diplomat.