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Pentagon chief urges Japan to consider joining Strait of Hormuz coalition; raps China

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Joining a US (and Isrealie) coalition seems dangerous to me.

I agree that Trump started the mess in the first place. On top Israel is far from innocent in creating tensions in the area.

Let Trump clean up his own mess and explain to the American people why nobody wants to join him.

11 ( +16 / -5 )

Trump has created this mess unilaterally and against most of the rest of the world position vis-à-vis Iran. Why should the others get involved?

6 ( +8 / -2 )

The issues in the Straits have been manufactured by Trump. Therefore America should have the decency to clean it up, not beg for the rest of the world to do it for him.

Trump the Chump is destroying things as per normal y'all.

5 ( +13 / -8 )

@englisc aspyrgend

"...are the root cause of tension in this case. There is no excuse for seizing ships in international waters without legal basis. They are not enforcing an international agreement they are seeking to extend their political/military control over the internationally important choke point in the sea ways to advance their ideology and regional power. The international community needs to stand up to these bullies."

I agree with most of what you say except that it was the British, acting on American orders, who are the root cause of tension in this case, not the Iranians, the important choke point being the Straits of Gibraltar.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Japan should join the coalition only if Iran also joins. If the nature of the coalition is peace-keeping, this is how it should look like. If Iran is not in, the nature of the coalition is to start a war against Iran. I guess Donald does not feel like a President without a war.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

If anything, there needs to be a strong coalition against US warmongering. It's the Trump administration that went back on the deal and goaded Iran, interfering with and provoking the country.

Doesn't mean I support the regime in Tehran, natch.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

I wish these people would take the time to ready the Japanese constitution. After all, it was written by the USA. The Self Defence Force is not allowed to go fight battles outside Japan.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

"I think it's something that the Japanese should strongly consider," he said.

Yes. Consider and then reject.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

To my humble opinion, there is no need for any Hormuz coalition at all. First of all it was Trump who started the mess by breaking a fine working contract. Then since things didn't develop as expected, some strange things happened in that area that could've blaimed Iran, but of which you strangely don't hear any more. Nothing. Why, something didn't work out or what? Then out of the blue, UK seized an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar apparently on request of the US blaming something like failed to comply to EU sanctions. Ahm, EU sanctions valid between Iran and Syria? It was only after this when suddenly a UK tanker got seized by Iran for some alleged similar reason. You can call this tit for tat or just look at the grounds given - then compare. Still, why would a Hormuz coalition be necessary now? To see which countries are on which side? Is doubt still a matter in deciding with common sense if joining or not? Does anybody think Iran would do this because it likes to act like this? Why was everything smooth until Trump tore apart the contract Obama did? According to the leaked UK-Ambassador dispatches it was because Obama did the deal. Wow, real smart. Now of course I could be wrong with all that story but to me I would like Japan to stay out of this. SK already said they joined, anyway, they need some kissing up to do. Japan could send out some support ships to show its bond to the US, but thats it. The constitution would anyway not allow much more.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

gokai_wo_manekuToday  05:16 pm JST

I wish these people would take the time to ready the Japanese constitution. After all, it was written by the USA. The Self Defence Force is not allowed to go fight battles outside Japan.

Well...if you read it...the JSDF can not even exist, much less do any battle anywhere. But if we get by that huge obstacle, the JSDF does exist to "protect" Japan, ie; people and property. So escorting Japanese flagged or merchant ships under Japanese control would certainly be permitted. Joining a "War" would not.

I think it's unlikely that Japan (and several other allied nations) would participate in a coalition that does not have the backing of a UN Resolution.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Japan is a peaceful country! We need to stay out of trumps wars! Besides it is illegal for Japan to engage in war other than to defend Japan!

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Thank God that not the whole world is a barking dog of the U.S.

No need to bring other countries in this Trump madness.

3 ( +10 / -7 )

In his meeting later in the day with Iwaya, Esper said China is ignoring values such as the international rule of law, freedom of navigation and respect for the sovereignty of other nations.

Like invading Iraq, Libya and Syria.

Iran will probably next in line with Japanese government support.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Isn't this crisis created solely out of Donald Trump's despise and jealousy of Obama winning the Nobel prize?

And isn't it among the seven sins of Christianity?

Aren't these 'conservative' republicans pride themselves as faithful Christians?

And certainly Japan wants no part of this mess that was caused entirely by a man child.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

His Japanese is pretty good, too, which can only help the relationship.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Im trying to understand the uniform design. He has 2 hash marks on his sleeve, but they dont designate anything, then the buttons are off at an angle...looks like they started out with a USMC dress blue kind of design but it got funky then became Japanese.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

kazetsukaiToday  05:12 pm JST

Abe need his limited naval forces close to Japan at this time.

The Chinese navy is a threat, no doubt, but it does not necessarily mean the best choice is to conserve everything. The MSDF can gain from actual demi-combat experience against an enemy which unlike pirates can fire missiles - it'll get rid of bad habits, shake off cobwebs ... etc.

Plus there is the whole buy points with America part of the equation, which is worth more than a few ships.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I actually agree, though there are countries that don't even have a ship to send. I think Japan should just send Escort Ships and be done with it. Japan really needs the brownie points to accumulate in case China attacks, and ships unlike ground troops are limited liability commitments.

0 ( +9 / -9 )

Send the Izumo!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Japan has a proud naval tradition. 

They need to work on them uniforms. Looks like a cross between a head chef, hotel bell boy and marching band leader

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Above also if you cross a Mountie (RCMP) with the pictured japanese honor guard.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I agree that Trump should of reconsidered the treaty Obama helped create. I dont agree with everything Trump does, seems he takes on too many issues at once like this China trade problem, North Korea, etc, but Iran continued during the working treaty to export terror so they must be held accountable somehow.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Japan , mind yr own business.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

In the meeting with Abe, Esper lambasted China for destabilizing the Indo-Pacific region, saying "their military aggression and calculated strategy of predatory economics violates the international rules-based order that we are trying to uphold."

Coming from a person who belongs to the country that has violated international rules-based order and caused war and massive loss of life and infrastructure in the Middle East, that's really rich!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Just get rid of the US dollar, then USA will be left aside.

With cripto money this will come sooner than later.

Good riddance!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

China is too busy trying to "control" the entire sea route by building and taking over sea ports all along the way to Asia, so they could care less about the flow or the safety of other countries. They will not send any of their ships for the protection of the strait. In staed they will try to control the shipping coming out of the strait with their now expanding naval forces in the pretext of protecting the harbors they just built and took over all along the African and Asian coasts.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Pentagon chief urges Japan to consider joining Strait of Hormuz coalition

Hmm....I'm not sure whether the Pentagon chief fully understands the restrictions of Japan's Article 9 first paragraph. And Japan's active participation in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemen may be a stretch.

If Japan has tankers or cargo ships going through the Strait of Hormuz regularly, I can see the need to join the coalition. Japan has every right to defend and protect its ships and personnel when threatened.

However, Japan should be more concerned about the Pacific region beyond its coastal waters and take more responsibility in keeping that region stable. That is, if it can get away from the Article 9 first paragraph restriction of never resorting to military action to resolve conflicts. There are times when diplomacy and dialog can go only so far and when it does fail, the time to resort to military action when needed.

Japan is eventually going to have to modify its Article 9 first paragraph so it can protect its interests abroad, but that doesn't mean Japan is renouncing its pledge to be a peaceful nation.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The mad mullahs of Tehran are the root cause of tension in this case. There is no excuse for seizing ships in international waters without legal basis. They are not enforcing an international agreement they are seeking to extend their political/military control over the internationally important choke point in the sea ways to advance their ideology and regional power.

The international community needs to stand up to these bullies.

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

I always felt that the Japan US Alliance is not natural, i wonder how long it will last.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Thelongtermer:

The uniform is reminiscent of the star trek wrath of Khan (1982 original, not the remake) uniforms, but are white and have buttons. I loved that uniform...Guess which star trek uniform they don't sell?

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/76/8b/bd/768bbd32162a7cbc00d14707eb076393.png&imgrefurl=https://www.pinterest.com/pin/361836151292007243/&h=933&w=550&tbnid=OynmGFpnE6qVM:&q=star+trek+wrath+of+khan+uniform&tbnh=90&tbnw=52&usg=AI4-kSQsQalrsrdfKFTD-fmIqWAoZG43w&vet=1&docid=9EpNeJgsbgFOHM

https://archive.triblive.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/vndwrathofkhan090617.jpg

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Safety in numbers. Join the group. Don't let terrorists decide our lives.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Abe need his limited naval forces close to Japan at this time. So he may not be inclined to commit to a distant operation. He needs the entire naval group to be cohesive in the region where that limited force was to protect and defend. They must work as a team to be effective. Divided, they are weak.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Hello kitty, no you are wrong, they were enforcing EU sanctions. (and then the EU refused to back them up, but what else can you expect) the US had nothing to do with it. As I said, internationally and UN backed not just local desire to close an international trade route and strangle their gulf neighbours.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

wow those uniforms would make a hotel bell boy proud

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

Instead, China prefers "to coerce its neighbors into activities designed for Beijing's benefit," he said.

Like forcing Japan to join the war with Iran.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

This problem was created by the US unilaterally withdrawing from an international agreement with Iran, so the US should be held responsible. Let the US sort out the problem which it created. Furthermore, some commentators on this site keep telling everyone how powerful and great the US military is, so the US should need no help. The US creates havoc and misery throughout the wold and than want everyone so help it. For a nation with such a great and powerful military, the US is always asking for help.

Next the US will be asking for help in invading NK, Turkey, Venezuela, China, Russia.....

Neither Japan nor Australia should get involved.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

You know this has been going on well before Trump right? You know how I know this? In 2003 I spent 10 months patroling the straights, assisting in assuring ships freedom of Navigation. I was in the US Navy on the USS John F. Kennedy.

The hostility between America and Iran has been long documented.

The current hostility in the Straits was initiated by America withdrawing from a pact it created with Iran, and returning unilaterally, sanctions on Iran and threatening any nation that buys Iran's oil with US sanctions upon them. The current atmosphere has been created by Trump. I know because while the pact was active with US participation there was no problems for tankers or shipping in the Strait.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

The issues in the Straits have been manufactured by Trump. Therefore America should have the decency to clean it up, not beg for the rest of the world to do it for him.

You know this has been going on well before Trump right? You know how I know this? In 2003 I spent 10 months patroling the straights, assisting in assuring ships freedom of Navigation. I was in the US Navy on the USS John F. Kennedy.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

The defense chiefs agreed on the importance of three-way cooperation with South Korea to address threats from North Korea, Iwaya told reporters, including an intelligence-sharing pact between Tokyo and Seoul that may be under threat amid growing enmity between the neighbors over trade policy and wartime history.

The termination of the GSOMIA is a done deal, the Moon security advisers are now talking the intelligence sharing mechanism AFTER the termination of GSOMIA. Too late.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Well said! The US creates problems and then go around the globe, cap in hand, seeking help.

Why not? It appeases the U.N. That we don’t go in unilaterally.

It also seems SOME people have forgotten the "evacuation of Saigon", where a relatively underdeveloped country sent the US (and its allies) packing;

Yes, had we not been bound by the rules of engagement, we would have crushed the Vietcong. Washington was the problem, not the soldiers or hardware. Can’t win a war with one hand tied behind your back.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

This problem was created by the US unilaterally withdrawing from an international agreement with Iran,

Yes, thankfully.

so the US should be held responsible.

Gladly!

Let the US sort out the problem which it created.

Not that easy since so many countries invested doing business with Iran.

Furthermore, some commentators on this site keep telling everyone how powerful and great the US military is, so the US should need no help.

We don’t, but at the same time, if these same noisy people don’t want to see another war and a war that would escalate beyond Iran that could include the Saudis and the Israelis, it would be better for our allies to think wisely, either way, Iran can’t have nukes. And before you scream war, war, we don’t need to drop a single bomb in that country, we can tighten the noose that is already around the regimes neck, we just have to make a tighter Knot.

The US creates havoc and misery throughout the wold

And saved countries, gave money and freedom, food, humanitarian aid and home to millions as well.

and than want everyone so help it. For a nation with such a great and powerful military, the US is always asking for help. 

And the world asks us as well, it goes both ways, the more, the better. Just because you’re a great fighter it doesn’t mean you don’t need the help of friends.

Next the US will be asking for help in invading NK, Turkey, Venezuela, China, Russia.....

What? Oh, dear lord....

Neither Japan nor Australia should get involved.

Im sure they will in some capacity.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Chip Star: When some say "without boots on the ground" they actually mean without THEIR boots on the ground; they'd be in a bunker. These people have no conception of what a nuclear exchange would look like, how many thousands people, both military and civilian, would be killed on all sides. Its easy to be a worrier with someone else's blood.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

I dont think Japan wants to play a subordinate role to the US anymore. They want to go there on their own free will, and if attacked, can respond, and further expand on the article 9. They will reject the US offer, then go there on their own....its a feeling I get.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

“.We want oil, but we won’t help”.

Let them get their OWN oil...good luck.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

I think if a Ship is attacked or taken in the Straits, the ships Country of origin needs to involved with protecting all ships. If a German Tanker gets seized, then to bad fkr Germany. The US or no other Country should help get the ship back since Germany doesn't want to assist in the security of the straights.

-8 ( +8 / -16 )

My thoughts go for ANY Country that does not want to help in securing the safety of the straights.

-9 ( +6 / -15 )

Japan has a proud naval tradition. 

They could launch a surprise attack on the Iranians in the Straits.

-11 ( +1 / -12 )

Downvote all you want. Why does America need to always take the lead and protect other countries assets, even though they do nothing for America? Do something to get something. Freebees are over now that Trump Daddy is in da house!

-12 ( +6 / -18 )

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