Japan has moved one step closer to strengthening the country¡¯s intelligence capabilities, which the ruling coalition has called inadequate in their current form.

A Liberal Democratic Party panel on Thursday approved the beefed-up intelligence proposal, which includes establishing an upgraded intelligence bureau, introducing a mandatory foreign-agent registration system and banning electronic devices at government facilities.

The proposal is expected to be submitted to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi early next month. It calls for a review of existing measures to deter and detect foreign intelligence activities and states that new legislation should be considered if current safeguards are found to be insufficient.