Press Releases
Multinational efforts against illicit maritime activities including ship-to-ship transfers with North Korean-flagged vessels prohibited by UNSCRs
1. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Japan Coast Guard are also conducting information gathering activities for vessels suspected to be in the violation of UNSCRs. When activities suspected of ship-to-ship transfers are found, the Government of Japan notifies the UN Security Council 1718 Sanctions Committee and shares information with relevant countries. Japan has publicized 10 cases strongly suspected of being engaged in ship-to-ship transfers.
2. Japan welcomes that the U.S. and partner countries announced coordination of multinational efforts against illicit maritime activities including ship-to-ship transfers with North Korean-flagged vessels prohibited by UNSCRs. The following is Japan’s view on these efforts.
(1) As announced on September 7 and 22, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, in addition to the U.S., have decided again to engage in monitoring and surveillance activities against illicit maritime activities, including ship-to-ship transfers with North Korean-flagged vessels prohibited by UNSCRs, based in Kadena Air Base from the middle of September. Japan welcomes the deployment of patrol aircraft from Australia, New Zealand and Canada to engage in the activities. Japan also welcomes that U.S. and partner countries deployed the surface vessels for monitoring and surveillance activities.
(2) Japan considers it is significant that Japan, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and France are sharing information and coordinating efforts as part of the multinational effort to ensure that UNSCRs are implemented fully and effectively.
(3) Japan will ensure effectiveness of the relevant UNSCRs while maintaining the solidarity of international community for the realization of North Korea’s dismantlement of all WMD and ballistic missiles in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner. The Government of Japan and the U.S. Government shared the view that North Korea has breached the 2018 annual cap for refined petroleum products established by UNSCR. To have all United Nation member states immediately stop supplying refined petroleum products to North Korea, Japan will work with the United States and other partner countries to strengthen the response to ship-to-ship transfers.