# Japan UN Charter reform dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-un-charter-reform-dispute
> Updated: 2026-09-30T02:26:50.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has proposed the removal of the ‘enemy state’ term from the United Nations Charter during the 81st UN General Assembly. Takaichi argued that the deletion should be finalized to uphold Japan’s honor, noting that previous UN resolutions had already expressed intent to remove such references.

The proposal has met significant diplomatic opposition. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued the clause maintains ‘important practical significance’ as a safeguard against militarism. Russia also noted that the Charter reflects the outcomes of World War II and Japan’s wartime history. 

In subsequent developments, China and North Korea formally opposed the request. China utilized its right of reply to label Japan’s military buildup a threat to regional stability, while North Korea described the request for deletion as ‘shameful and ridiculous,’ maintaining that Japan remains an enemy state under the Charter.

Further diplomatic confrontation occurred as China asserted that the clause remains a ‘vital institutional safeguard’ to prevent the resurgence of fascism and militarism. Chinese representatives specifically criticized Japan’s military expansions, including increased defense spending and the deployment of long-range missiles, arguing these actions threaten regional and global stability. Russian diplomat Vladimir Zakharov noted that China’s opposition is rooted in concerns regarding the potential revival of Japanese militarism. While discussions also touched upon UN Security Council reform and increasing representation for the Global South, the dispute over the ‘enemy state clause’ remains a central point of tension.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: China opposes Japan's proposal to remove UN Charter 'enemy state clause

China has formally opposed Japan's call to remove the “enemy state clause” from the UN Charter, citing concerns over Japan's increasing military capabilities and the need to preserve the post-war order.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-opposes-japans-proposal-to-remove-un-charter-enemy-state-clause

### 2026-09-27: China and North Korea oppose Japan’s UN Charter reform request

China and North Korea have opposed Japan’s request at the UN General Assembly to remove the ‘enemy states clause’ from the UN Charter, citing concerns over regional security and militarism.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-and-north-korea-oppose-japans-un-charter-reform-request

### 2026-09-23: Sanae Takaichi calls for removal of ‘enemy state’ term from UN Charter

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi urged the UN to remove ‘enemy state’ language from its Charter, triggering diplomatic pushback from China and Russia regarding historical accountability and post-war law.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sanae-takaichi-calls-for-removal-of-enemy-state-term-from-un-charter

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Cite as: Japan UN Charter reform dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-un-charter-reform-dispute