Japan's Takaichi Slammed for Weak Responses to U.S., Russia

Tokyo, Aug. 22 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration is under fire for what critics say are weak responses to U.S. sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane of Japan and to Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to a disputed island.

The government did not criticize or lodge a protest against the sanctions on Akane in order not to upset Japan's sole formal ally, with Takaichi saying only that the measure was "regrettable."

It was also unable to take measures after Putin's trip last week to Etorofu, one of the four islands that are called the Northern Territories in Japan and are claimed by Tokyo but controlled by Moscow, due to concerns about the potential fallout on energy supply.

On Friday, participants in a meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party voiced frustration over the government's response to the U.S. sanctions. One member said Japan should demand that the United States withdraw the sanctions, while another said that Tokyo must protect Akane.

Japan, which regards the rule of law as a key pillar of its diplomatic policy, is the largest financial contributor to the ICC. Takaichi met Akane, the first Japanese head of the ICC, at the prime minister's office in January and pledged Tokyo's "strong support."

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]