Prime Minister Takahashi spoke in New York after delivering remarks at the United Nations General Assembly General Debate, outlining Japan's enduring commitment to multilateralism and to a United Nations-centered international order. He marked the 70th anniversary of Japan's accession to the UN and said the postwar framework remains essential even as voices question whether the UN can still act as a force for peace and stability. He stressed that Japan's stance toward the UN is unchanged and that Tokyo will continue to pursue diplomacy that reinforces the rules-based order. The PM emphasized that Japan's updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) policy, announced in May, is part of an integrated approach to diplomacy, economics, and security that aligns with Tokyo's broader effort to recover trust in the UN and strengthen international institutions.
Takahashi said the international community faces growing tension across regions, notably in the Middle East, where secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is seen as an international public good. He pledged continued diplomatic efforts to de-escalate and stabilize the regional situation, noting that energy security and the resilience of critical goods in Gulf states must be addressed through comprehensive cooperation. In his view, climate and economic growth are compatible when Japan's technological capabilities are applied through multilateral efforts, and he urged solidarity among nations in pursuing a world free of nuclear weapons while pressing for North Korea's denuclearization and a prompt resolution of the abduction issue. He warned that unilateral actions to alter the status quo by force or coercion must never be tolerated.
On the rule of law, Takahashi highlighted Japan's long-standing support for international judicial bodies, including the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and ITLOS, as a demonstration of its commitment to resolving disputes through legal mechanisms. He then turned to the UN itself, arguing that the organization must be reborn as a more resilient and effective institution. He called for the United Nations Charter to be reviewed and for the Security Council to be reformed to reflect contemporary realities, including greater representation of Japanese personnel within the UN system. The PM said Japan will continue to contribute to multilateral efforts and to work in solidarity with the Global South to address global challenges through science, technology, and shared development.
Takahashi outlined Japan's approach to disaster risk reduction, saying the country will remain a leading contributor to global resilience efforts. He noted the appointment of a Minister of State for International Disaster Risk Reduction Cooperation to emphasize Tokyo's intent to share knowledge and technology to mitigate disasters worldwide. He also announced that Japan plans to host an AI Summit aimed at advancing trustworthy artificial intelligence, signaling a broader commitment to responsible technological leadership in global governance.
The PM reaffirmed that Japan's defense posture will remain anchored in an exclusively defense-oriented policy that has guided its international conduct for seven decades. He spoke from the perspective of upholding an open, rules-based system while strengthening alliance cooperation with partners such as the United States on issues ranging from economy to security, including the strategic economy of AI, semiconductors, and critical minerals. In New York, Takahashi said he used opportunities during his visit to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and leaders from several countries to discuss reform and common approaches to global challenges. He cited talks with President Donald Trump on the Japan-U.S. relationship and regional issues, as well as discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, highlighting a shared interest in de-escalation, continued support for Ukraine, and sanctions coordination with the international community through the coming winter.
The PM also noted meetings with other leaders—Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom, and leaders from Trinidad and Tobago and Bhutan—describing them as valuable opportunities to advance bilateral ties and coordinate on common priorities ahead of ASEAN, APEC, and G20 meetings later in the year. He framed these engagements as part of a broader effort to build momentum for joint action against the major global challenges facing the international community.
In a brief question-and-answer segment that followed, reporters pressed Takahashi on the timing of the Japan-U.S. summit relative to the upcoming U.S.-China dialogue, on Japan's position toward potential sanctions related to the ICC, and on how Japan plans to contribute to UN reform. The prime minister reiterated that Japan will engage with the United States as necessary, underscored that Tokyo's stance on the ICC and sanctions remains consistent with its broader alignment with multilateralism, and emphasized the urgency of UN reforms to reflect current geopolitical realities. He conferred that, between now and year-end, regional and global meetings will offer further avenues to align on shared objectives, including climate action, energy security, and regional stability. The press conference concluded with Takahashi thanking the international press for its coverage and confirming that ongoing diplomacy would continue to shape Japan's external posture during a busy autumn calendar of multilateral gatherings.
