Japan, US diplomats discuss US sanctions on ICC
The gist
Japan and US foreign ministers exchanged views in Paris on Washington's ICC sanctions.
Japan, a major ICC funder, weighs aid to the court despite its US alliance.
How it unfolded
- Aug 18, 2026The United States sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane.
- Aug 19, 2026Japan's Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Kitamura Toshihiro called the sanctions on Akane "very unfortunate" and reaffirmed Japan's support for the ICC and the rule of law.
- Oct 9, 2026The US State Department designated the ICC as a sanctioned entity under Executive Order 14203 and added it to the SDN List; Treasury issued a 180-day general licence for the court's continued operations.
Key terms
- ICC
- Permanent international tribunal in The Hague that prosecutes individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression.
- sanctions
- Measures imposed by countries or organizations on a target state or entity, typically restricting trade, finance, diplomacy or culture.
- SDN List
- A US Treasury sanctions list of designated individuals and entities whose US assets are blocked and who face banking restrictions.
Source: Wikipedia