BloombergThe centerpiece of Japan’s response to US calls for a Middle East security coalition — a single warship — is to set sail on a mission that highlights just how few US allies have signed up. France said it would deploy its Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Middle East from last month to April to support European countries. The US began recruiting backers for the security coalition last summer after a series of attacks on tankers near the gulf. Trump singled out Japan, which receives almost 90 percent of its oil from the Middle East, among the countries that were providing “zero compensation” for US protection. “By operating outside the US coalition, Japan and South Korea hope to minimize their military exposure, while also preserving diplomatic ties and economic relations with Iran — something Prime Minister Abe has so far dexterously achieved,” Townshend said.

Source: Taipei Times February 01, 2020 16:07 UTC