Full Breakdown
Japan’s Prime Minister Reaffirms Support for the ICC at the UN
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi used her first United Nations General Assembly address to declare Japan’s “consistent support” for the International Criminal Court (ICC). Speaking in New York, she linked the country’s post-World-II commitment to the rule of law with backing multilateral institutions, including the ICC, which is currently under pressure from the United States.
Background & Context
Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump urged all ICC members to resign, labeling the court “out-of-control” and announcing sanctions targeting the organization. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for the ICC to be dismantled “brick by brick,” describing it as a threat to U.S. sovereignty. The sanctions were prompted by the ICC’s warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and an investigation into alleged U.S. war-crimes in Afghanistan. Japan faces domestic calls to defend the court, especially because its president, Tomoko Akane, is Japanese.
Official Statements & Responses
- She avoided direct criticism of the United States, noting a “candid exchange” with President Trump on the sidelines of the assembly.
- Donald Trump reiterated his opposition, urging ICC members to resign immediately.
- Marco Rubio reiterated his call for the ICC’s dismantlement, framing it as a threat to U.S. sovereignty.
- Former defence minister Gen Nakatani urged Japan to use the prime minister’s address to protect the ICC through diplomatic contacts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We want Japan to protect the ICC through the [prime minister’s] address and contacts with other countries.” — Sanae Takaichi, japanese prime minister
These remarks underscore the diplomatic tension between Japan’s multilateral stance and the United States’ unilateral criticism of the ICC.