Statement by H.E. Ambassador UMETSU Shigeru, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Open Debate on Emerging Technologies and Maritime Security
2026/10/29
(As delivered)
Thank you, Madam President.
We express our gratitude to Greece for convening this open debate.
Emerging technologies are rapidly redefining maritime security. By harnessing AI, satellite constellations, and ocean sensors, we can dramatically enhance navigation systems and strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities. These technologies can strengthen protection of maritime transportation and critical infrastructure such as undersea cables and offshore energy facilities while also addressing shadow fleets and IUU fishing. On the other hand, emerging technologies can also facilitate sophisticated cyberattacks and unmanned weapon systems. Therefore, these technologies must be used responsibly.
Madam President,
To promote the responsible use of technologies in the maritime domain, Japan has been focusing on two aspects: international technical cooperation and international discussions on responsible AI governance.
Regarding technical cooperation, securing a free and open maritime order requires the timely and responsible deployment of emerging technologies to protect our waters, secure shipping and seafarers, and safeguard critical undersea infrastructure. Guided by the updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”, Japan continues to share the benefits of maritime technology and information with coastal states. Through collaborations like the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) and capacity-building efforts in the region, we are working together to keep global sea lanes safe, secure, and open.
Regarding international discussions on AI governance, Japan is at the forefront through the “Hiroshima AI Process” and its Friends Group, establishing the world’s first international framework of principles and code of conduct to govern advanced AI. In parallel, Japan has been working with the international community to co-create a “safe, secure and trustworthy AI” ecosystem, and will enhance cooperation on safety and security to respond to the risks of highly capable frontier AI models. The use of AI in the maritime domain should not be excluded from our discussion on AI governance.
Madam President,
Japan also welcomes the Security Council’s role in addressing the implications of emerging technologies for maritime security. Within its mandate, the Council can play a pivotal role by discussing the impacts of dual-use maritime technologies on international peace and security, in collaboration with relevant specialized bodies like the IMO.
In concluding, Japan remains committed to active and constructive engagement in international cooperation and discussions on emerging technologies and maritime security.
I thank you.
We express our gratitude to Greece for convening this open debate.
Emerging technologies are rapidly redefining maritime security. By harnessing AI, satellite constellations, and ocean sensors, we can dramatically enhance navigation systems and strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities. These technologies can strengthen protection of maritime transportation and critical infrastructure such as undersea cables and offshore energy facilities while also addressing shadow fleets and IUU fishing. On the other hand, emerging technologies can also facilitate sophisticated cyberattacks and unmanned weapon systems. Therefore, these technologies must be used responsibly.
Madam President,
To promote the responsible use of technologies in the maritime domain, Japan has been focusing on two aspects: international technical cooperation and international discussions on responsible AI governance.
Regarding technical cooperation, securing a free and open maritime order requires the timely and responsible deployment of emerging technologies to protect our waters, secure shipping and seafarers, and safeguard critical undersea infrastructure. Guided by the updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”, Japan continues to share the benefits of maritime technology and information with coastal states. Through collaborations like the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) and capacity-building efforts in the region, we are working together to keep global sea lanes safe, secure, and open.
Regarding international discussions on AI governance, Japan is at the forefront through the “Hiroshima AI Process” and its Friends Group, establishing the world’s first international framework of principles and code of conduct to govern advanced AI. In parallel, Japan has been working with the international community to co-create a “safe, secure and trustworthy AI” ecosystem, and will enhance cooperation on safety and security to respond to the risks of highly capable frontier AI models. The use of AI in the maritime domain should not be excluded from our discussion on AI governance.
Madam President,
Japan also welcomes the Security Council’s role in addressing the implications of emerging technologies for maritime security. Within its mandate, the Council can play a pivotal role by discussing the impacts of dual-use maritime technologies on international peace and security, in collaboration with relevant specialized bodies like the IMO.
In concluding, Japan remains committed to active and constructive engagement in international cooperation and discussions on emerging technologies and maritime security.
I thank you.