US sanctions International Criminal Court; Japan's Takaichi says she is 'deeply concerned'
In short
The Trump administration on October 9 designated the International Criminal Court (ICC) itself as a target of sanctions, after sanctioning ICC President Tomoko Akane in August. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrote on X that the measure is incompatible with Japan's position and that she is deeply concerned, and said Japan would provide the support the ICC needs to fulfil its role.
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The Trump administration on October 9 designated the International Criminal Court (ICC), headquartered in The Hague, as a target of sanctions. NHK reported that the US Treasury made the announcement, while Mainichi said it came from the State Department. Yomiuri said it was announced on the morning of October 9 US time, late at night in Japan. [ 1 , 10 , 11 ]
Secretary of State Rubio said, according to TBS, that 'President Trump will never allow the ICC to prosecute Americans. Today, the United States sanctions the ICC.' He called the ICC a 'rogue' court and said the measures would ban dealings with it and cut off its funding. Yomiuri quoted him as saying: 'Either the ICC stops its threats or we end the ICC.' Rubio also called on allies that rely on US forces for their defence to restrain the ICC; Yomiuri said he named no country but appeared to have Japan and European NATO members in mind. [ 3 , 10 ]
TBS and Mainichi reported that the ICC could be shut out of the international financial system. Yomiuri said the sanctions are expected to bar the court from US-dollar settlements, and Mainichi, citing Reuters, said companies dealing with the ICC could face secondary sanctions. In August the administration had announced sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane, including an asset freeze in the US and an entry ban, according to Mainichi; the new step extends the measures from individuals to the court itself. [ 3 , 10 , 11 , 13 ]
The US objects to the ICC targeting US military personnel even though the US is not a member, and has called the court a threat to US sovereignty, Yomiuri reported. Bloomberg, carried by TBS, said the administration accuses the ICC of unfairly targeting the US and Israel. Yomiuri noted that the move came shortly after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to former ICC judge Navanethem Pillay. [ 10 , 11 , 13 ]
The ICC said in a statement that the sanctions were an attack on the foundations of the rule of law and the international legal order. Akane said the court would continue to carry out its mission while maintaining its independence. [ 10 , 12 ]
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrote on X at around 23:30 that Japan supports the ICC and that the measure 'is incompatible with Japan's consistent position, and I am deeply concerned.' She said Japan would keep working on the US, stay in contact with Akane and other countries, and provide the support the ICC needs to fulfil its proper role and functions. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said he had exchanged views with Rubio and would keep up communication with the US. [ 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 16 ]
Why it matters
Japanese outlets reported that the sanctions could shut the ICC out of the international financial system, going beyond earlier sanctions on individual officials. Japan's prime minister and foreign minister both responded publicly, saying Japan would keep working on the US and stay in contact with ICC President Akane.
Key facts
- The Trump administration designated the ICC itself as a target of sanctions on October 9. [ 1 , 3 , 10 , 11 , 13 ]
- Secretary of State Rubio said President Trump would never allow the ICC to prosecute Americans. [ 3 ]
- Rubio called the ICC a 'rogue' court and said the sanctions would ban dealings with it and cut off its funding. [ 3 , 10 ]
- In August the administration announced sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane, including a freeze of her assets in the US. [ 3 , 11 ]
- Outlets reported the ICC could be shut out of the international financial system. [ 3 , 10 , 11 ]
- The ICC called the sanctions an attack on the foundations of the rule of law and the international legal order. [ 12 ]
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted on X that the measure is incompatible with Japan's position and that she is deeply concerned. [ 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 11 , 16 ]
- Takaichi said Japan would keep working on the US and provide the support the ICC needs to fulfil its proper role and functions. [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 16 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The US government designated the ICC as a target of sanctions on October 9. [ 1 , 3 , 10 , 11 , 13 ]
- The administration had announced sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane in August. [ 1 , 3 , 11 , 13 ]
- Rubio described the ICC as a 'rogue' court and said the sanctions would bar dealings with it and cut off its funding. [ 3 , 10 ]
- The ICC may be shut out of the global financial system as a result. [ 3 , 10 , 11 ]
- Takaichi said the measure is incompatible with Japan's position and that she is deeply concerned. [ 2 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 11 , 16 ]
- Akane said the court would continue its mission while maintaining its independence. [ 10 , 12 ]
- The announcement followed the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to former ICC judge Navanethem Pillay. [ 10 , 11 ]
Still unclear
- Which US department made the announcement. NHK reported that the US Treasury announced the designation, while Mainichi reported that the State Department announced it.
- Whether companies dealing with the ICC will face secondary sanctions. Only Mainichi, citing Reuters, reported that secondary sanctions may be imposed.
- Whether the sanctions will bar the ICC from US-dollar settlements. Yomiuri said this is expected but did not give a source.
- Which allies Rubio meant when he called on countries relying on US forces for their defence to restrain the ICC. Rubio named no country; Yomiuri said he appeared to have Japan and European NATO members in mind.
- The exact wording of Akane's statement. TBS quoted her as citing 'independence and impartiality', Yomiuri as 'independence and objectivity'.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Prime Minister Takaichi posts on X that she is deeply concerned about the US sanctions on the ICC. [ 6 ]
- NHK reports that the US Treasury has designated the ICC as a target of sanctions. [ 1 ]
- TBS reports Rubio's announcement that the ICC itself is designated for sanctions. [ 3 ]
- TBS reports the ICC's statement calling the sanctions an attack on the rule of law and President Akane's response. [ 12 ]