Japan not entitled to apply for UNSC seat

The Japanese Ambassador to the United Nations Motohide Yoshikawa reiterated Japan's determination to secure a permanent Security Council seat on Monday, saying that it is his country's responsibility to become a UNSC member. The country's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last month expressed similar intentions. Comments:

Germany, India and Brazil are not making the best decision by jointly applying for UNSC seats with Japan. They are more likely to achieve their goal without Tokyo. Unlike Japan, they have no irreconcilable disputes with the five permanent UNSC members. Applying without Japan would be in their own interests and, more importantly, would really contribute to UN reforms in the future.

Hong Kong Commercial Daily, March 21