Sanae Takaichi: "engage when and where necessary"

Washington’s recent sanctions on two International Criminal Court officials drew a response from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who said Tokyo would choose its moments to step in. Takaichi spoke Tuesday after critics called Japan’s condemnation of the U.S. penalties too mild. Japan is the ICC’s largest contributor, and Takaichi said the court must be shielded. The U.S. sanctions target ICC President Tomoko Akane of Japan and Senegalese lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, part of the Trump administration’s efforts against a court it views as corrupt and overly political. Speaking remotely to reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday, Akane said she would keep working even if the sanctions broaden, and asked Japan to rally weaker member states facing U.S. pressure. The ICC, created in 2002, prosecutes severe crimes when national justice systems fall short.