Japan not now considering sending military for US

23/7/2019 12:48

        Japan's top government spokesman
        said on Tuesday that there was no change in the country's stance
        that it was not considering sending its Self-Defence Forces for
        a U.S.-proposed maritime coalition in the Middle East.
        
        Asked if there was a change in the position previously
        stated by Defence Minister Takeshi Iwaya, Chief Cabinet
        Secretary Yoshihide Suga said it was "as Minister Iwaya said."
        
        U.S. national security adviser John Bolton on Monday met
        Foreign Minister Taro Kono, Iwaya and national security adviser
        Shotaro Yachi.
        
        Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that before making
        a decision on joining the United States, Japan wants to fulfil
        what it sees as a unique role it has to play in reducing
        tension.