Japan's Parliament Passes New Law to Strengthen National Intelligence Capabilities
Under the new law passed by Japan's parliament on Wednesday, the National Intelligence Agency will consolidate information collected by various ministries and agencies and report to the newly established National Intelligence Council, led by the Prime Minister.
According to AFP in Tokyo, Japan's parliament passed a law on Wednesday, the 27th, approving the creation of a new intelligence body—a key step in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's efforts to strengthen the country's national security system.
Japanese leaders have long advocated for enhanced intelligence capabilities, which their opponents often criticized as fragmented and inadequate, sometimes even labeling Japan a "spy haven."
The newly passed law will enable Japan to integrate intelligence activities currently scattered across multiple departments, particularly those within the police force, foreign ministry, and defense ministry.
Under the new law, the National Intelligence Agency will consolidate information gathered by various ministries and agencies and report to the newly established National Intelligence Council, chaired by the Prime Minister.
However, critics of Takaichi are concerned that concentrating intelligence power in a single agency could lead to government abuse of authority and violations of personal freedoms and privacy.
Opponents have held rallies across Japan, arguing that Takaichi’s push to enhance Japan’s defense capabilities could drag the country into international armed conflicts.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866413542653959/
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