TOKYO – Japan will send a warship and patrol planes to protect Japanese ships in the Middle East as the situation in the region – from which it sources nearly 90 percent of its crude oil imports – remains volatile, Japan’s government spokesman said on Friday.
Under the plan approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet, a helicopter-equipped destroyer and two P-3C patrol planes will be dispatched for information-gathering aimed at ensuring safe passage for Japanese vessels through the region.
If there are any emergencies, a special order would be issued by the Japanese defense minister to allow the forces to use weapons to protect ships in danger.(Reuters)
