Japan adopts new sanctions on Russia, criticizes its deal to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus

TOKYO –

Japan on Friday authorized extra sanctions in opposition to Russia over its battle on Ukraine, together with freezing the belongings of dozens of people and teams and banning exports to Russian military-related organizations.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno instructed reporters the Cabinet approval exhibits Japan is in line with the remainder of the Group of Seven international locations that agreed throughout their summit in Hiroshima final week to take care of and strengthen sanctions in opposition to Russia.

He stated Japan is dedicated to working with different G7 international locations and the broader worldwide group “to improve the situation” for Ukraine.

Matsuno additionally sharply criticized the signing of a deal between Russia and Belarus on Thursday formalizing the deployment of Moscow’s tactical nuclear weapons in its ally’s territory as a transfer that “further escalate tensions.”

“As the world’s only country to have suffered nuclear attacks, Japan finds Russia’s threats of nuclear weapons and their use absolutely impermissible,” Matsuno stated. “Japan’s government demands Russia and Belarus stop actions that further escalate tensions as we continue to watch the development with strong concern.”

Japan’s extra sanctions and export restrictions mirror the G7’s intention to stop the evasion of sanctions by third international locations and embody a ban on exporting supplies that might assist strengthen Russia’s industrial base, Matsuno stated.

According to a press release collectively issued by the overseas, commerce and finance ministries, 24 people and 78 organizations have been added to an inventory of these topic to asset freezes, together with those that allegedly helped to divert and evade sanctions.

Japan additionally imposed an export ban on 80 Russian military-related organizations, together with equipment makers. The provision of building, engineering and different providers for Russia will even be banned.

Japan has been carefully cooperating with the G7 to impose sanctions in opposition to Russia over its battle on Ukraine amid rising concern in regards to the battle’s affect in Asia, the place China has been increasing its army presence and threatening to make use of pressure to exert its management over self-governed Taiwan.