Japan to abstain from recognizing Palestine at upcoming United Nations General Assembly

Japan is reportedly set to refrain from recognizing Palestine as a state at the upcoming United Nations (UN) General Assembly on September 22. While countries such as France, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada are expected to support recognition, Japanese media outlets reported—citing government insiders—that Tokyo seeks to avoid straining its strategic alliance with the United States and prevent a hardening of Israel’s stance. Reports also claim that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will skip the relevant session at the UN summit.

U.S. reportedly warned Japan

Japanese media recently reported that the Washington administration had warned Tokyo against recognizing Palestine at the UN meeting. According to these reports, U.S. officials told their Japanese counterparts that such a move could seriously damage bilateral relations and heighten regional tensions.

Ishiba not expected to attend the session

Citing diplomatic sources, the reports claim that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has decided not to attend the session on Palestine’s recognition. Tokyo is said to be prioritizing alignment with the U.S. over joining other nations in recognizing Palestinian statehood.

Growing domestic pressure on Tokyo

Public pressure on the Japanese government has mounted as numerous countries move to recognize Palestine to help end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza Strip. Earlier, 206 lawmakers submitted a letter to Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya urging the government to recognize Palestine as a state. Iwaya stated they would consider the call carefully, adding, “We are conducting a comprehensive assessment, including the appropriate timing and methods for recognizing the State of Palestine.”