Takaichi Faces Rule-of-Law Scrutiny over U.S. Sanctions on ICC

Tokyo, Aug. 29 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is under scrutiny regarding the country’s commitment to the rule of law following U.S. sanctions against International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane, the first Japanese to lead the organization. Initially, Takaichi merely said that the U.S. sanctions against Akane were “very regrettable.” This led to criticism as the remark was perceived as a weak response. The focus is on whether Japan can dissuade the United States from seeking to “dismantle” the ICC. On Tuesday, Takaichi told reporters that the U.S. sanctions were “incompatible with the Japanese position and we take them seriously.” “We must protect Ms. Akane and the precious organization of the ICC as the largest contributor to it,” the prime minister also said. Japan values the rule of law and has consistently supported the ICC. The government is on high alert for further U.S. sanctions. If the ICC itself becomes a target, its operations could be severely affected. “The sanctions against the ICC are a crisis of the rule of law,” Akane said at a press conference Wednesday. She urged the Japanese government to make “maximum efforts,” including by engaging with the United States. The government plans to respond in close cooperation with Akane. On Friday, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held a telephone conversation with Akane to discuss the situation surrounding the ICC. However, it remains unclear how assertive Japan can be as the country has made its alliance with the United States the cornerstone of its diplomacy and security policy. The government has not protested or called for a withdrawal regarding the latest sanctions, which have drawn criticism even from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. “We are engaging with the United States while saying what needs to be said,” Motegi told a press conference Friday. However, a government official said, “We can’t be too tough on the United States.” Under the banner of the rule of law, the Takaichi administration has criticized China and Russia for attempting to change the status quo by force. If Japan turns a blind eye to threats to the rule of law out of consideration for the United States, its credibility could be significantly undermined. Public opinion is also scrutinizing the government’s handling of the issue. “The prime minister’s initial remarks drew various criticisms,” a government official said, expressing concerns that any further impact on the Takaichi administration’s approval ratings would be damaging. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]