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2024 November 20 - 26 TOP3 [JCP]

JCP CC Chair Shii speaks at ICAPP General Assembly based on JCP proposal for peacebuilding in East Asia

The 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties took place in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh from November 22 to November 24 with 49 political parties from 28 Asian countries participating.

Japanese Communist Party Central Committee Chair Shii Kazuo at the plenary session on the first day of the General Assembly delivered a speech titled, “Diplomacy, Not Military; Inclusion, Not Exclusion”.

The full text of Shii’s speech is as follows:

Diplomacy, Not Military; Inclusion, Not Exclusion
Remarks at the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP)

Shii Kazuo
Chairperson, Central Committee, Japanese Communist Party
Member of the House of Representatives of Japan
Phnom Penh
November 22, 2024

Honorable Chairman,
Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Japanese Communist Party, I am honored to deliver a statement titled, "Diplomacy, Not Military; Inclusion, Not Exclusion."

Today, I am gravely concerned about the increasing trend of exclusive bloc confrontations in East Asia, where we live. This trend fosters a cycle of military tensions that can never pave the way to peace.

In contrast, there is a promising movement to establish an inclusive peace framework for East Asia. ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) represents this vision, aiming to embrace all East Asian nations.

In this context, the Japanese Communist Party issued "Proposals for Peace Creation in East Asia" in April 2024, advocating for the AOIP’s vision as a shared objective. We call for a collaborative effort together with ASEAN nations to make East Asia a region free from the fear of war. These proposals are being promoted both domestically and internationally. I am confident that East Asia’s future of peace, cooperation, and prosperity can be achieved if we work together in this way.

ICAPP is aligned with the AOIP’s vision as an inclusive platform open to all Asian parties, regardless of ideological differences, with the shared goal of "building an Asian Community." It is my sincere hope that this General Assembly, held in Southeast Asia, will reach a consensus in support of the AOIP.

Furthermore, I would like to stress the enduring significance of the "Istanbul Declaration," adopted at the last ICAPP General Assembly. This Declaration emphasized the importance of avoiding bloc politics and prioritizing cooperation over competition. When I visited Europe this summer, I was pleased to see strong support for the Istanbul Declaration, especially as Europe grapples with intensified bloc conflicts in the wake of the war. I sincerely hope that the final document of this General Assembly will build upon and expand the principles of the Istanbul Declaration.

Dear Friends,

The war in Ukraine and the genocide in Gaza have taken a terrible toll, threatening to undermine the global peace order established by the UN Charter.

The solution to both crises cannot be military. Dialogue and negotiation based on the UN Charter and international law is the only viable way forward. In this pursuit, it is essential to firmly reject any "double standards" that condemn Russia while effectively defending Israel. The UN Charter and international law must be applied equally to all.

Let us call upon the international community, through the voice of this General Assembly, to unite in steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

Dear Friends,

The last topic I would like to address is the urgent issue of nuclear weapons.

Recently, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-bomb Sufferers Organizations (Hidankyo), an organization of Hibakusha—A-bomb survivors in Japan—was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize. This recognition brings great joy to the Japanese people. At the same time, it highlights the urgency of achieving a “world without nuclear weapons,” a vision for which the Hibakusha have worked tirelessly over the decades.

ICAPP has consistently called on the world to work toward a “world without nuclear weapons” at General Assemblies in Astana, Phnom Penh, Colombo, and other places.

Next year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As the unified voice of this General Assembly, let us endorse the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and convey to the world our unwavering commitment to create a “world without nuclear weapons.”

Thank you for your attention.