The U.N. General Assembly on Monday endorsed a Japanese anti-nuclear resolution by a wide margin, although fewer countries backed it than in previous years amid perceptions of its backpedaling on disarmament.
The motion, submitted by Japan for the 24th year in a row, was supported by 156 nations, down 11 from last year. It was opposed by the same four nations as last year — China, North Korea, Russia and Syria — while 24 abstained, eight more than last year.
This year's vote took place against the backdrop of the July 7 adoption of the landmark Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which for the first time bans nuclear weapons. Its supporters have consistently criticized the text of Japan's latest resolution, saying its language backtracks on previous agreements and makes no mention of the ban treaty.