Full Breakdown
Japan Voices Concern Over U.S. Push to Undermine the International Criminal Court
7/14/2026, 8:59:55 PM
Background: U.S. Campaign and ICC Leadership
The United States, under the Trump administration, announced a “whole-of-government response” to “systematically disable the ICC’s ability to operate” and to protect what it calls a threat to U.S. sovereignty. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “no diplomatic option will be off-limits” and later wrote in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece that the administration would “dismantle the ICC—brick by brick, if necessary.” The Hague-based court has been led since 2024 by Tomoko Akane, the first Japanese president of the International Criminal Court. Japan remains the ICC’s largest financial contributor and a treaty ally of the United States.
Official Japanese Response
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a regular press conference that Japan is “watching closely with concern” the U.S. campaign. He emphasized that Japan “places great importance on the eradication and prevention of serious crimes, as well as the upholding of the rule of law,” and that it “has consistently supported the ICC in its capacity as a permanent international criminal tribunal.” Kihara added that Tokyo “will address the issue by consulting closely with the ICC and its other members, as well as Washington.”
Criticism of the ICC
U.S. officials have repeatedly criticized the court for opening investigations into U.S. military personnel over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan and for issuing an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for actions in Gaza. The administration’s rhetoric frames the ICC as a “purported authority” that could threaten American officials and servicemen, and it has hinted at possible sanctions, visa restrictions, and diplomatic pressure on allies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “watching closely with concern” — Minoru Kihara, Chief Cabinet Secretary
- “places great importance on the eradication and prevention of serious crimes, as well as the upholding of the rule of law,” — Minoru Kihara, Chief Cabinet Secretary
- “no diplomatic option will be off-limits” — Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
- “dismantle the ICC—brick by brick, if necessary.” — Marco Rubio, Wall Street Journal opinion piece
- “enjoy the benefits” of the U.S. security umbrella to reject the ICC’s “purported authority.” — Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
