Japan denies role in Myanmar FATF removal bid after Oct 30 Paris meeting
Tokyo stated it did not seek Myanmar's removal from the global blacklist, contradicting earlier reports and a statement by Myanmar's military government.
By Samantha Reed ·
Japan’s Ministry of Finance rejected the claim that it pushed for Myanmar’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklist, a position that conflicts with statements made by Myanmar’s military-backed government and prior media reports.
The denial emerged after a closed-door meeting of the 40-member global body in Paris on October 30, where Myanmar remained on the list. The ministry told Reuters that Japan did not state at the meeting that it wanted Myanmar removed. This stance contradicts a report published by Reuters on October 30, which cited a senior Japanese government official and another person familiar with the matter as saying Japan was actively pushing for the removal.
Myanmar’s government publicly acknowledged Japan as a key supporter in its bid to leave the blacklist. A spokesperson for the military-backed regime sent a message to Reuters on Saturday, listing the United States, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia as nations recognizing Myanmar’s efforts. The spokesperson stated, “We are grateful to all of them for acknowledging Myanmar’s current progress.”
Japan’s ministry clarified its position in a statement, noting that it hopes Myanmar makes necessary improvements to strengthen measures against money laundering and related illicit activities. The ministry emphasized that there is no fact supporting the claim that the Japanese government sought the removal. One of the two sources cited in the original Reuters report, reached on Thursday, said they stood by their comments, while the other could not be immediately reached for comment.
Myanmar was added to the FATF blacklist in 2022 following a military coup that plunged the country into turmoil and civil war. The designation requires member countries to apply enhanced screening to financial transactions with Myanmar to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. South Korea’s foreign ministry described its approach as encouraging Myanmar to abide by FATF duties while coordinating closely with member countries on the issue.
The other five nations named by Myanmar’s spokesperson, including the United States, China, India, and Indonesia, either declined to comment or did not respond to requests for clarification. Myanmar’s military-backed government did not provide an immediate comment on Japan’s specific denial.
The FATF list currently requires enhanced scrutiny of financial flows involving Myanmar. Japan’s clarification aims to distinguish its diplomatic support for Myanmar’s progress from a formal vote or request to change the country’s status on the global watchdog’s list.
