Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi used her address at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday to express support for the International Criminal Court, a stance that comes as the court faces sanctions from the United States. Takaichi, speaking in New York, underscored Japan's commitment to multilateralism and the rule of law in international conflict resolution.
Takaichi, in her first UN speech as premier, described Japan as a "peace-loving nation" that adheres to its defense-oriented policy. This statement served as a rebuttal to Chinese criticism of Japan's ongoing defense buildup, which Beijing has characterized as "neo-militarism."
The prime minister acknowledged the shifting global landscape, stating that the "stable era after the Cold War" has passed but asserting that the United Nations remains crucial for global peace and stability. Her remarks addressed persistent doubts about the institution's effectiveness in tackling major challenges, including the Middle East war, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.
Domestically, attention was focused on Takaichi's response to US sanctions targeting Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national serving as president of the ICC. The US views the ICC as infringing upon state sovereignty.
Reiterating Japan's post-World War II stance, Takaichi emphasized the importance of the rule of law in resolving conflicts and highlighted Japan's "consistent support" for international courts like the ICC. Amidst global economic uncertainty, exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Takaichi also announced that Tokyo is preparing a comprehensive plan to enhance the economic and energy resilience of Persian Gulf states.
