Press Releases

1. Japan highly appreciates the unanimous and prompt adoption of the robust United Nations Security Council Resolution 2375 (PDF) on September 12, which imposes drastically stricter sanctions measures against North Korea, in response to North Korea’s 6th nuclear test on September 3rd and other activities.

2. In disregard of repeated strong protests and condemnations by the international community, North Korea went ahead with its ballistic missile launch that flew over the Japan and the sixth nuclear test, which is suspected of being a hydrogen bomb test and the scale of which is far larger than its previous tests. This represents a serious challenge to the international non-proliferation regime and flagrant violation of a series of relevant resolutions. It also goes directly against the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, and the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. As the only country that suffered from atomic bombings during the war, it is totally unacceptable.

3. Furthermore, North Korea’s provocations, including the last nuclear test and repeated ballistic missile launches represent a great challenge to the international community and pose an unprecedented, grave and imminent threat to the peace and security of the region including Japan. Towards the adoption of the unprecedentedly robust resolution which commensurate with the serious threat posed by North Korea, as a member of the United Nations Security Council, Japan has worked closely with the international society at all levels, including not only with the United States and the Republic of Korea but also with China and Russia. Japan welcomes the adoption of the resolution, as the testament of the shared determination of the international community as a whole to enhance pressure on North Korea.

4. The Resolution 2375 includes strict measures that restrict the supply of oil related products, total ban of import of textiles from North Korea, and ban of providing work authorizations to North Korean overseas workers by member state. This will raise the pressure against North Korea to an unprecedented level. Japan will closely cooperate with other countries concerned including the United States to encourage all UN Member States to rigorously and fully implement the new resolution as well as the other relevant resolutions. Japan once again strongly urges North Korea to sincerely heed the voice of the international community, to refrain from further provocative actions including nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches, and to comply fully with the relevant resolutions, including resolution 2375.

5.Under the principles of “dialogue and pressure” and “action for action,” and in close coordination with the international community, including the United States and the Republic of Korea, Japan will continue to make active efforts for the comprehensive resolution of outstanding issues of concern regarding North Korea, such as nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue. With regard to the abduction issue, Japan will urge North Korea to implement the Stockholm Agreement and continue to make every possible effort to realize the return of all abductees at the earliest possible date.