The Donald Trump administration’s targeting of the International Criminal Court with sanctions and insulting remarks is damaging America’s already shaky diplomatic relationship with key ally Japan.
Bilateral relations have soured since Mr Trump made an inappropriate “joke” about the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour during a meeting with prime minister Sanae Takaichi in March, but the two leaders have otherwise been on cordial terms. The US president has lauded Ms Takaichi as a “powerful woman” and publicly endorsed her ahead of Japan’s snap election earlier this year.
