Japan Creates First Post-1945 Spy Agency as Chinese Cyber and Espionage Threats Mount
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 24
Japan Creates First Post-1945 Spy Agency as Chinese Cyber and Espionage Threats Mount
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 24
Summary
Japan is moving to establish its first modern spy agency since World War II, a major shift in a country that has long lacked a centralized foreign intelligence service.
Chinese espionage and cyber incidents helped drive the move, including trade-secret theft from Japanese companies, malware-infected USB drives used by soldiers, and a hack of Japan’s space agency linked to groups tied to China’s military.
Trump’s push for greater Japanese self-reliance has added momentum to the plan, aligning with conservative leaders in Tokyo who have long wanted stronger intelligence capabilities.
The agency would mark a broader overhaul of Japan’s security posture as it responds to rising pressure from China in both cyber and traditional intelligence arenas.