Japan building new centralised intelligence agency with support from Western Allies: Report
Washington DC, July 13
Japan is undertaking an ambitious effort to establish its first centralised intelligence agency since World War II, seeking guidance from Western Allies including the United States, Australia and Germany amid growing security threats from China, Russia and North Korea, the New York Times reported.
According to the NYT, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government has privately consulted partners in recent months on issues including technology, staffing and operational priorities for the proposed intelligence agency.
The news report said that intelligence officials from the United States have provided input on cyber defence systems, countering industrial espionage, and strengthening scrutiny of foreign investments and agents operating in Japan.
Germany has also joined the discussions, with the head of the country's foreign intelligence service (BND) recently visiting Tokyo to discuss the planned agency and ways to enhance intelligence-sharing between the two countries, the news report said.
Australia has advised Japan on technology as well as strategies to improve coordination among government ministries and encourage intelligence sharing, according to The New York Times.
The news report noted that Japan's intelligence system has traditionally been fragmented, with defence officials, diplomats, police and other agencies collecting and analysing information separately, limiting coordination and leaving the country vulnerable to espionage and foreign interference.
The proposed agency forms part of Prime Minister Takaichi's broader push to strengthen Japan's national security architecture as Tokyo faces increasing challenges from China, Russia and North Korea.
The New York Times said that Takaichi has already lifted restrictions on weapons export and advanced Japan's largest post-war defence build-up. Her government is now seeking to bolster protection of state secrets, critical technologies and counter foreign influence operations, particularly those attributed to China.
The news report cited researchers at the Citizen Lab as saying that China has created websites posing as Japanese-language news outlets to spread pro-Beijing disinformation.
Andrew Shearer, Australia's ambassador to Japan and former director-general of national intelligence, told the New York Times that Japanese officials believe that the country's intelligence capabilities have "been frozen in time for decades."
"It's a big thing that the prime minister has chosen to make it a priority," he said, "and that she is investing the political capital to get it done."
The Japanese government declined to comment on whether it was seeking assistance from foreign governments to establish the agency, saying only that it "maintains close cooperation with counterparts in relevant countries regularly," according to the New York Times.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, it's about time Japan did this. 😅 They've been too trusting of China for decades, especially with economic ties. The Citizen Lab finding about fake Japanese-language news sites is chilling—China's disinformation campaign is everywhere. India faces similar fake news from across the border. Japan should also focus on cyber defence; that's where the real battles are fought now.
But wait, isn't this a bit ironic? Japan constitutionally limits its military, but now they're building an intel agency with help from the same allies who once occupied them? 🤔 I get the need, but it's a slippery slope. We in India know how intelligence agencies can be misused if not properly overseen. Hope Japan's parliament keeps strong checks and balances.
It's great that PM Takaichi is taking security seriously. The fragmented system where defence, police, and diplomats all work in silos is inefficient—India had similar issues before reforms. Japan lifting weapons export restrictions is also a big shift. But I'm worried about over-securitization; it might create tensions with neighbours unnecessarily. Diplomacy should still be the first tool.
This is a direct response to China's aggressive behaviour. The way Beijing tries to influence Japanese public opinion through fake news sites is exactly what they do in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Japan, as a fellow democracy, must protect its sovereignty. I support this move 100%—India and Japan should also share intelligence more closely on China's activities in the Indian Ocean.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.