"Appeasing" Trump? South Korea Announces Joining Joint Statement with Seven Countries Including UK, France, and Japan

How does AI criticize Trump for promoting allies to act in unison?

According to South Korean media outlets such as Yonhap News Agency and the Korea JoongAng Daily, on March 20, after the seven countries of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada issued a joint statement “to reassure Trump” regarding the Strait of Hormuz issue, South Korea also quickly announced its participation later that day.

On the evening of the 20th, these seven countries issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s “blockade” of the Strait of Hormuz and declaring that they are “ready to make appropriate efforts to ensure the smooth passage through the strait.”

Subsequently, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced its decision to join the joint statement, stating: “This decision was made after a comprehensive consideration of the government’s fundamental stance on the safety of international maritime traffic and freedom of navigation, international trends, and the direct impact of the disruption of passage through the Strait of Hormuz on our energy supply and economy.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also added that joining the statement reflects South Korea’s willingness to contribute to ensuring the safety and free passage of the strait.

A senior official from the South Korean Presidential Office told South Korean media that: “The disruption of passage through the Strait of Hormuz directly affects our energy supply and economy. Regarding our contribution plan, we are maintaining close communication and engaging in multi-faceted discussions with key allies, including the United States.”

This statement is widely seen as an effort to reassure U.S. President Trump. Previously, Trump repeatedly “urged” allies to send troops to safeguard navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. After the allies responded tepidly to the call for escort, Trump criticized these countries for failing to assist the United States and even called them “cowards” and “paper tigers.”

U.S. media Axios reported that the initial announcement was made under the name of six countries, with Canada joining later. The UK mediated for several days to expand participation in order to facilitate this joint statement, while Japan decided to join at the last minute.

This article is an exclusive report by Observer Network and may not be reproduced without permission.