Bolton, Japan Officials Discuss Strait of Hormuz Coalition

Tokyo, July 22 (Jiji Press)--John Bolton, visiting national security adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, met on Monday with Japan's Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya and other officials of the Asian nation for discussions on a U.S.-proposed coalition of countries to safeguard waters in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Bolton is believed to have sought Japan's cooperation for the initiative. At the meeting with Iwaya, Bolton said that the two countries face a crucial phase in their efforts to strengthen their alliance, amid a series of external challenges, according to sources with access to the talks. At a press conference on Monday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that Tokyo does not know yet what kind of roles Washington wants it to play in the coalition, indicating his stance of carefully considering the matter. Meanwhile, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono explained to Bolton the country's position regarding its tightened controls on semiconductor materials exports to South Korea, introduced earlier this month. The United States is concerned about the recent rapid deterioration in the relationship between Japan and South Korea. In talks with reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump voiced his readiness to mediate between the two Asian countries to help them ease the tensions, at the request of South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Bolton and the Japanese officials also discussed issues related to North Korea and affirmed close U.S.-Japan cooperation in dealing with Pyongyang. He also held talks with Shotaro Yachi, head of the secretariat at Japan's National Security Council. END