Japan Passes Law Creating Prime Minister-Led Intelligence Council as Security Tensions Rise
Updated
Updated · 台北時報 · May 28
Japan Passes Law Creating Prime Minister-Led Intelligence Council as Security Tensions Rise
9 articles · Updated · 台北時報 · May 28
Japan’s upper house approved legislation creating a National Intelligence Council chaired by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, clearing the final hurdle after the lower house passed it last month.
The law upgrades an existing intelligence body into a central command to collect and analyze security and public-safety information now split across the police, foreign ministry and defense ministry.
Takaichi said the overhaul is meant to deter espionage, prevent terrorism, protect sensitive technology and give policymakers stronger intelligence support before crises escalate.
The push comes after criticism that Japan is a “spies’ paradise” and after tensions with Beijing sharpened when Takaichi said in November Tokyo might intervene if China invaded Taiwan.
Opponents have staged rallies warning the expanded apparatus could enable government overreach and pull Japan deeper into international conflicts.
With its new intelligence bureau, is Japan countering foreign threats or creating a tool for domestic control?
Japan's new spy agency lacks the oversight common in the West. Is this a critical flaw in its design?