On October 9th, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke about the Trump administration's sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) on social media.
This is incompatible with Japan's position, and I am deeply worried about this. Gao Shì stated in his post that Japanese Foreign Minister Mochizuki Mitsuhiro and US Secretary of State Rubio will continue to communicate with each other going forward.
"Japan has always prioritized international law and has supported the responsibility of the ICC in upholding it," she wrote, while maintaining contact with the ICC's Japanese-born president, Akane Chizuko, and relevant countries. "It will provide necessary support to ensure the ICC can fulfill its rightful duties and functions."
According to the Japan Keizai Shimbun, due to the US listing of Akane and others as sanctions targets, along with additional severe measures, Koichi’s diplomatic skills are being tested.
Earlier that day, the Trump administration announced new sanctions against the ICC. The new sanctions impose financial penalties on any entities that engage in business transactions with the ICC. The White House has long accused the ICC of unfairly targeting the United States and Israel.
British, German, French, Canadian, and Japanese foreign ministers issued a joint statement, expressing their regret and strong opposition to the sanctions, and stating that these measures would have a "significant impact" on the International Criminal Court, its staff, and their families.
In August this year, ICC President Michiko Akane was listed as a target for sanctions by the US government.
Initially, Kashi only expressed “deep regret,” which led to criticism from the outside world as being “weak.” After several days, Kashi finally spoke up, saying, “This does not align with Japan’s stance. We are taking this matter very seriously,” and also stated that they would continue to provide support to Ashida.
