Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered her first general debate speech since taking office on the evening of the 22nd at the UN General Assembly in New York, emphasizing that Japan "consistently supports" the International Criminal Court, which the Trump administration is increasingly pressuring. The Prime Minister expressed her intention to "contribute to the maintenance and development of a free and open international order based on the rule of law," while avoiding any mention of the US administration's sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane. Citing Japan's efforts in light of the worsening international situation, she listed three points: strengthening supply chains, enhancing cooperation for peace and stability, and maintaining and developing the international order. She introduced that Japan is formulating economic and energy cooperation plans for Gulf states in the Middle East, and, with China in mind, pointed out that "concerns over arbitrary export restrictions are growing."
