Japan raises ICC sanctions concerns with Rubio as US defends the measures

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held successive telephone talks with ICC president Tomoko Akane (赤根智子) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 10 after the Trump administration targeted the court itself with sanctions. Motegi said he discussed the ICC's role with Akane in light of the measures. Nippon TV reported that their call began at 9 p.m. and lasted about 15 minutes. Motegi then conveyed Japan's position to Rubio, and the two ministers agreed to maintain close communication, according to Japanese Foreign Ministry accounts carried by several outlets. [ 4 , 5 , 7 ]

In an October 9 message on X, Motegi said Japan consistently valued the rule of law internationally and supported the International Court of Justice and the ICC. He expressed deep concern that the US sanctions were incompatible with Japan's consistent position. He said Japan would continue engaging the United States and communicating with Akane and other countries while working to strengthen the rule of law. Yomiuri reported that possible assistance and sanctions' effects on the ICC's finances were among matters believed to have been discussed with Akane. [ 2 , 5 ]

The US State Department said Rubio explained that the sanctions were necessary because of ICC conduct threatening US sovereignty, according to TBS and Tokyo Shimbun. Rubio's explanation differed from Japan's publicly stated concern about the measures. NHK also reported the State Department's announcement of the October 10 call, with its headline highlighting Rubio's explanation of the sanctions' necessity. [ 8 , 9 , 12 ]

The ministers also discussed the arrest of a US Marine on suspicion of robbery and murder in Naha, Okinawa. Motegi expressed regret and the two sides confirmed they would discuss effective measures to prevent recurrence, Japanese reports said. The State Department said Rubio expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation with Japan's investigation. [ 5 , 8 , 12 ]