Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the rule of law and support for international judicial institutions in her address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 22. Highlighting Japan’s dedication to a free and open international order, Takaichi underscored the nation’s longstanding backing of bodies such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Without directly addressing U.S. sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national, Takaichi reiterated Japan’s consistent support for the ICC and other international courts, emphasizing contributions such as Japanese judges. She also advocated for the removal of the “enemy state” clauses in the UN Charter, aligning with a 2005 UN General Assembly resolution that suggested their deletion.
In her speech, Takaichi called for reforms to the UN Security Council, proposing an expansion of both permanent and non-permanent memberships to better reflect contemporary global dynamics. This push for reform aligns with Japan’s broader international policy focus on multilateral cooperation and adapting international structures to current realities.
Addressing economic and security challenges, Takaichi highlighted the importance of strengthening supply-chain resilience and expressed concerns over arbitrary restrictions on the export of critical resources and minerals. She also touched on the dual nature of artificial intelligence, noting its potential benefits alongside significant security risks. Takaichi announced Japan’s intention to host an AI summit aimed at discussing the challenges posed by advanced AI systems.
Overall, Takaichi’s address underscored Japan’s commitment to promoting the rule of law, advocating for UN reform, and addressing emerging technological and security issues on the international stage.