Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reaffirmed Japan’s “consistent support” for the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite US President Donald Trump’s call for member states to withdraw from the institution.
In her first address to the UN General Assembly since becoming prime minister, Takaichi said Japan’s commitment to the rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes was reflected in its support for international judicial bodies, including the ICC.
Trump had sharply criticised the court during his own UN address, describing it as an institution that had become “out of control” and urging member countries to leave. The United States has also imposed sanctions targeting ICC officials, including its Japanese president, Tomoko Akane.
Takaichi did not directly criticise Washington in her UN speech. Japan’s position followed a period of domestic pressure on the prime minister to defend the ICC, while maintaining close relations with the United States.
During a separate meeting in New York, Takaichi and Trump also discussed the ICC, alongside economic security, China, North Korea and the Japan-US alliance.
Takaichi also called for reform of the UN Security Council, saying its structure should better reflect the current international order, and urged the removal of outdated “enemy state” clauses from the UN Charter.
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