Japan to vie for nonpermanent U.N. Security Council seat in 2043

    TOKYO, Dec. 3 Kyodo - Japan will contest an election for a nonpermanent place on the U.N. Security Council in 2043 to work toward global peace and security and a rules-based international order via the international organization, a government spokesman said Tuesday.

    Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Keiichiro Tachibana said the government has already registered with the United Nations, noting that "thorough" preparations are needed as the election will be hard-fought among countries keen to secure a seat on the decision-making council.

    "We intend to contribute to U.N. discussions to maintain global peace and security and strengthen the rules-based international order," Tachibana said at a press conference.

    "Japan will also take the lead in reforming the United Nations and strengthening its functions as a whole," he added.

    Japan is currently serving as a nonpermanent member for the 12th time, with its two-year term ending this month, and has already submitted its candidacy to join the council as a nonpermanent member from 2032.

    The U.N. Security Council has five veto-wielding permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States -- and 10 nonpermanent members.

==Kyodo