Beijing, May 29: The centralization of intelligence agencies has historically been a significant step towards military expansion. This context has heightened international concerns regarding Japan’s plan to establish a national intelligence agency. Many observers believe that this proposed move, backed by right-wing forces, could lead Japan down a path of foreign intervention and military expansion.
A global survey conducted by China Global Television Network (CGTN) revealed that 84.8% of respondents view the efforts by Japan’s right-wing groups to strengthen its intelligence apparatus as a dangerous step towards neo-colonialism, warranting vigilance from the international community.
On Wednesday, the Japanese parliament passed a law to establish a new intelligence system led by a national intelligence council. The proposed national intelligence agency will serve as its operational branch, unifying various intelligence units under a single command.
This move is expected to significantly alter Japan’s decentralized intelligence structure established after World War II, bringing intelligence powers closer to the Prime Minister’s office.
According to the survey, 86.5% of respondents identified this as a major change in Japan’s post-war intelligence framework. Additionally, 77.7% expressed concerns that it could increase the risk of power abuse and weaken checks, balances, and oversight systems.
The proposed law has evoked memories of Japan’s notorious “Toko” system. “Toko,” or Special Higher Police, was a secret police mechanism active before and during World War II, used to suppress dissent and establish ideological control. It was considered a key tool for Japanese militarists to influence domestic public opinion.
The survey indicated that 80.8% of respondents feared that the new system could undermine civil liberties and push Japan towards a wartime social control scenario. Furthermore, 73.6% expressed concerns that the agency could be used to suppress anti-war and peace advocacy groups.
The proposed national intelligence agency will oversee foreign intelligence, counter-espionage activities, and cyber intelligence operations. Analysts believe this will strengthen Japan’s integration with the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific intelligence network, potentially enhancing its role and influence in regional affairs.
According to the survey, 83% of respondents stated that this move would escalate regional intelligence competition and could damage the already fragile security trust among countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, 83.2% believe that Japan’s new initiative could further destabilize the security situation in East Asia.
Some analysts argue that the establishment of a national intelligence agency could mark a pivotal moment towards institutionalizing neo-colonialism in Japan. They suggest that this step is part of an effort to move away from Japan’s pacifist constitution and restore its role as a major military power. A significant 87.6% of survey participants supported this viewpoint.
CGTN reported that the survey was conducted across its various platforms in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian. Within 24 hours, 3,028 participants shared their opinions and comments.
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing)
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