Japan may strengthen sanctions against Russia and North Korea, NHK
Illustrative photo: Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan (facebook.com/ishibashigeru)
The Japanese government is considering the possibility of tightening sanctions against Russia and North Korea due to the strengthening of military cooperation between these two countries. Among the reasons is the involvement of North Korean soldiers in the war against Ukraine on Moscow's side, reports NHK.
According to Japan's public broadcaster, Tokyo is contemplating enhanced restrictive measures against Russia and North Korea, particularly in light of Pyongyang’s involvement in the Russian-Ukrainian war on the side of the aggressor country.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on November 16 and stated that the situation is causing serious concern, as North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russian forces, the source says.
NHK reports that under these circumstances, the Japanese government has started considering tightening sanctions against North Korea and Russia, asserting that their military cooperation has a serious impact on peace and security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, and violates international law.
Japan's sanctions against Russia and North Korea
Japan has already imposed various sanctions on North Korea, which continues to develop nuclear weapons and persist in missile provocations.
Tokyo has also imposed sanctions on Russia due to its large-scale invasion of Ukraine. These restrictive measures include import and export restrictions, asset freezes, and an expansion of the scope of asset freezing.
Recently, it was revealed that Japan allocated $3 billion to Ukraine through a loan from Russian assets.
The Japanese government also plans to cooperate with the G7 to strengthen sanctions against North Korea and Russia and will continue coordination with other countries.
Additionally, in early October, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated in a program speech in parliament that Japan's support for Ukraine will continue, and the sanctions imposed against Russia will remain in effect.
