U.S. President Donald Trump demanded that countries like China, Japan and South Korea participate in a naval escort mission to ensure the safe passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported on March 15. He also said if China did not assist, "We may delay" a meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for March 31 to April 2 in Beijing.

Takaichi said, "We have not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships," while South Korea's presidential office on March 16 said it would deliberate on the matter. China's foreign ministry on March 16 reiterated its call for all sides to cease military operations.