The president of the International Criminal Court has asked Japan for assistance in pushing back against a push by former U.S. President Donald Trump to get Asian member states to withdraw from the tribunal, according to The Japan Times.
The request comes as the Trump administration has reportedly stepped up efforts to dismantle the ICC, including by pressing Asian member countries to exit the court. The Japan Times reported the ICC president is seeking Japan's diplomatic help to counter this pressure.
The ICC has faced sustained opposition from the United States, particularly over its investigations into alleged war crimes by U.S. forces and allies. The Trump administration has previously imposed sanctions on ICC officials and has now reportedly expanded its campaign to target the court's membership base in Asia, according to The Japan Times.
Japan is a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, and has generally supported the court's work. The ICC president's appeal to Japan signals the court's concern about losing Asian members, which would weaken its global reach and legitimacy.
The Philippine government has also been involved in the issue, with a palace official saying the U.S. "understands" the Philippines' position on the ICC. The Philippines previously withdrew from the court in 2019 under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Watch for whether Japan will publicly respond to the ICC president's request and what actions the U.S. may take next against the court.
