Tokyo cites constitution in discussions on Strait of Hormuz security

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that during her March 19 talks in Washington with US President Donald Trump, she referenced Japan’s constitution to explain Tokyo’s reluctance to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz.

According to TASS, Takaichi told Japan’s lower house budget committee: “During the talks, I stressed the importance of ensuring safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for stable energy supplies. At the same time, I explained in detail what we can and cannot do under Japanese law, including the constitution and the Self-Defense Forces Act.”

Article 9 of the Japanese constitution prohibits the use or threat of force to resolve international disputes. However, Takaichi and her cabinet have previously indicated the possibility of deploying Japanese minesweepers to clear the strait after a ceasefire agreement. The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of global oil exports.