TOKYO - A Japanese warship departed Sunday for the Middle East to ensure the safety of the country’s oil tankers in waters where tensions between the U.S. and Iran are high. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the waters “a lifeline that supports the lives of the Japanese people.“ Thousands of Japanese ships ply the route every year, transporting 90% of the country’s oil supply, he said. The Abe government is expected to authorize troops to protect Japanese commercial ships in case of danger, a plan that has faced opposition from pacifist groups. Despite being a U.S. ally, Japanese troops are not part of a U.S.-led coalition protecting Middle East waterways, because Tokyo wants to maintain neutrality in a show of consideration to Iran. Washington said Iran was responsible and urged Japan to join the U.S.-led military initiative.

Source: thestar February 02, 2020 06:11 UTC