Tokyo, Sept. 28 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government Monday held the first meeting of an expert panel on strengthening intelligence capabilities, initiating discussions on formulating a national intelligence strategy. Discussions at the panel will also focus on anti-espionage legislation, such as a foreign interference prevention law, and the establishment of a proposed external intelligence agency. At the meeting, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that cooperation among China, North Korea and Russia has deepened and threats have been increasing, including the acquisition of advanced technologies by foreign intelligence agents, cyberattacks targeting classified information in both the public and private sectors and the spread of false information. “It is essential to enhance intelligence capabilities in order to thoroughly protect the safety of our citizens and our national interests,” Takaichi said. The prime minister also said the government will work to strengthen measures to prevent undue foreign interference and enhance its external intelligence capabilities. She said the government plans to formulate and publish a national intelligence strategy outlining medium- to long-term guidelines for the country’s intelligence activities. The intelligence reform is a priority of Takaichi and one of the key items in the coalition agreement between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party. At the end of July, the government launched the National Intelligence Council, chaired by the prime minister, and began operations of the National Intelligence Bureau, which serves as the council’s secretariat. The expert panel consists of 17 members, including Yoko Hirose, professor at Keio University, Mihoko Matsubara, chief cybersecurity strategist at Japanese telecommunications firm NTT Inc., and Toshikazu Yamaguchi, president of Yomiuri Shimbun Holdings. Toshiya Watanabe, professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, was elected chair of the panel. It will meet once a month going forward. According to the government’s explanation, opinions were expressed at the first meeting regarding the need for a “foreign agent registration system” that would require individuals and organizations engaged in lobbying activities within Japan to file reports. A panel member also expressed the view that ensuring transparency in intelligence activities through reporting to the Diet, Japan’s parliament, is important. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
