Japanese PM Voices Support for ICC in UN Speech

New York (ANTARA) - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has expressed her support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and reaffirmed her country’s commitment to multilateralism amidst United States sanctions against the court.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Takaichi described Japan as a peace-loving nation that has long maintained a policy specifically oriented towards defence. She also dismissed criticisms from China that her administration’s defence strengthening programmes reflect a rise in neo-militarism.

This UN address marks her first speech as Prime Minister. The speech was delivered at a time when doubts still cloud the ability of the 81-year-old global institution to face various challenges to the rules-based order, including the wars in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes.

Takaichi further stated that the stable era following the Cold War is now a thing of the past. However, she noted that there has never been a time when the UN was more vital in bringing peace and stability to the world.

Meanwhile, for the Japanese public, attention regarding the Prime Minister’s speech is focused on how she will respond to US sanctions against Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national serving as the President of the ICC. Washington views the Hague-based court as a threat to national sovereignty.

Takaichi stated that Japan has emphasised the supremacy of law in resolving all conflicts since the end of the Second World War. This position, she noted, is reflected in Japan’s consistent support for various international courts, including the ICC.

Amidst global economic uncertainty caused by US and Israeli military aggression against Iran and disruptions to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, Takaichi said Tokyo is drafting a comprehensive cooperation plan to strengthen the economic and energy resilience of Gulf nations.