How countries have responded to Trump’s call to secure Strait of Hormuzpublished at 04:33 GMT04:33 GMT
In a post on his platform Truth Social on Saturday, Trump wrote that he hoped five countries – China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK – would send warships to the Strait of Hormuz so it can “no longer be a threat” by Iran.Here’s how some of the countries have responded so far:UK: “As we’ve said previously, we are currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region,” a UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson says.China: A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington told CNN that China calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The spokesperson did not say whether Beijing would accept Trump’s request, but said all parties have a responsibility to ensure a stable and unimpeded energy supply, adding that China would continue to strengthen communication with relevant parties.Japan: Tokyo, which sees the US as its closest ally, has not officially responded to Trump’s call yet. But officials told Japanese outlet NHK Sunday that this issue could be on the agenda of PM Sanae Takaichi’s upcoming trip to the US, which starts Wednesday.A foreign ministry official told the outlet that Japan will not immediately dispatch naval vessels just because Trump asked. “Japan decides its own response, and independent judgment is fundamental,” the official said.France: The French government has not issued an immediate response either.But on Saturday, hours after Trump’s post, the foreign ministry’s official response account on X denied reports that the country was sending its warships to the Strait of Hormuz.”No, [the French] aircraft carrier and its group [are] staying the eastern Mediterranean. Posture has not changed: defensive it is,” the post reads.South Korea: There has been no immediate response from Seoul.
