The government is moving forward with efforts to strengthen its intelligence capabilities, a centerpiece of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi¡¯s policy agenda.
As a first step, the government plans to establish a national intelligence bureau as early as July. In addition, discussions on enhancing foreign intelligence-gathering capacities and legislation related to counterespionage are expected to take shape later this summer.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, the top government spokesman, has explained that the aim is to ¡°prevent undue interference from foreign countries amid a complex and challenging international environment.¡± But some opposition parties have expressed concern over possible human rights violations.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.