Trump pushes "escort alliance": No ships dispatched, NATO's future "very bad"; Japan and Australia have already refused

```

The US-led escort alliance plan for the Strait of Hormuz faces early obstacles.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the US government plans to announce the formation of the so-called “Escort Alliance” for the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days. Trump has pressured seven allies dependent on Middle Eastern oil, urging them to join the proposed multinational escort alliance. Trump warned that if NATO allies do not take action to assist the United States in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, NATO will face a "very bad" future. According to The Wall Street Journal, quoting US officials last Sunday, the White House plans to announce the formation of a multinational alliance as soon as this week.

However, key allies have responded tepidly. According to Global Times, Japan and Australia have made it clear that they currently have no plans to dispatch ships. The UK also has no related deployments, France refused to send additional military forces, and Germany will not participate in international military actions to protect merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump Pressures: No Troops, NATO’s “Future in Jeopardy”

Over the weekend, Trump repeatedly urged allies to join the US-led escort alliance for the Strait of Hormuz.

On Saturday, he posted on Truth Social, stating, “Many countries, especially those affected by Iran’s attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz, will send warships” to ensure the security of oil trade routes.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the US government has contacted seven countries for support, but the White House has not disclosed the specific list. Previously on social media, Trump had named China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK.

On Sunday, Trump increased pressure on Europe in an interview with the UK’s Financial Times, warning that if NATO member states do not offer assistance, NATO will face a "very bad future". On his way back to Washington on Air Force One, he told reporters: “I am asking these countries to protect their own territories, because those are their territories, those are the places they get their energy from.”

According to The Paper, on March 16, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian presided over a routine press briefing. A BBC reporter asked, US President Trump threatened that if China does not provide assistance on the escort issue in the Strait of Hormuz, he will cancel his visit to Beijing. How does China respond to Trump’s specific remarks?

Lin Jian said: “Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable strategic leading role in China-US relations. Both sides are keeping in communication about President Trump’s visit to China.”

Allies Refuse One After Another, Alliance Construction Hindered

Allies have responded coolly to the escort alliance for the Strait of Hormuz.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made it clear in parliament that there are currently no plans to send escort ships to the Middle East. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi also pointed out that although it is technically feasible, it is not advisable to dispatch ships under the current highly unstable situation. Masayuki Kobayashi, chairman of the LDP Policy Research Council, emphasized that the threshold for Tokyo’s participation in military action is “extremely high.”

As the world’s fifth-largest economy, Japan relies on the Middle East for 90% of its oil imports, 70% of which must pass through the Strait of Hormuz. In response to potential supply disruptions, Japan began releasing about 15 days of private sector oil reserves on Monday—the first time since the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. A further month’s release of national reserves will follow.

Australia has also explicitly refused to send ships. Transport Minister Catherine King stated that “no vessels will be sent to the Strait of Hormuz.” Opposition defense spokesperson James Paterson raised the need to assess whether the move aligns with national interests and whether there are available vessels to undertake the mission.

German Foreign Minister Wadfuhr stated on March 15 local time that Germany will not participate in international military operations to protect merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK is considering sending airborne minesweepers to help restore oil export routes, but officials worry that sending ships at the US’s request could worsen the situation. The South Korean presidential office said it would make a decision after careful study. France stressed that the current military posture is intended to maintain stability, rather than escalate conflict.

Risk Disclosure and DisclaimerThe market involves risk, and investment should be made cautiously. This article does not constitute personal investment advice, nor does it take into account the special investment objectives, financial situations, or needs of individual users. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions in this article suit their specific circumstances. Investments are at your own risk. ```