Japan expresses concern over US efforts to weaken ICC

Tokyo - The Japanese government is “closely monitoring and concerned” about diplomatic pressure exerted by the United States to hinder the operations of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated at a press conference on Tuesday that Japan, as the largest financial contributor to the judicial body, “attaches great importance to the eradication and prevention of serious crimes, as well as the enforcement of the rule of law.” He added that the Japanese government “has consistently supported the ICC in its capacity as a permanent international criminal court.” While monitoring the next steps taken by the US, Kihara confirmed that Japan will respond to the issue by continuing to consult closely with the ICC, other member states, and the US government. The statement from Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Monday “comprehensive measures to eliminate the threat” he claimed the ICC poses to US sovereignty. Rubio stressed that “no diplomatic options are off the table” in the US efforts. Possible actions include urging member states to withdraw from the judicial body and increasing sanctions against the ICC and its affiliated organisations. The US, which is not a member of the ICC, may also pressure allies and nations that “enjoy the benefits” of US security protection to reject what he termed the court’s “claimed authority” to prosecute American officials and military personnel. The administration of US President Donald Trump has frequently criticised the ICC after the international body opened an investigation into US military personnel over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. The US has also condemned the ICC’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Zionist Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his country’s military aggression in the Gaza Strip. Since early 2024, the presidency of the ICC has been held by Tomoko Akane, a Japanese judge and legal expert. She is the first figure from Japan to lead the judicial organisation, which is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.