Japan won't contribute ships to U.S. Middle East maritime force: Mainichi
Tokyo (Reuters) - Japan will not send warships to join a U.S.-led maritime force to guard oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz fearing a military response from Iran, but it may send patrol aircraft, said the Mainichi newspaper, citing unidentified government sources.
But Japan may send warships independently to protect Japanese ships in the world's most important oil artery, the newspaper said on Friday.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and continue to collect information while working closely with the United States and other countries," said Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, when asked about the report.
As its key Asian ally and a major regional naval power, Washington is keen for Japan, which is the worlds fourth-biggest oil buyer, to play a major role in its proposed maritime force.
But Japan may send warships independently to protect Japanese ships in the world's most important oil artery, the newspaper said on Friday.
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