On Friday, Japan imposed disciplinary sanctions on more than 200 defense officials, including senior military leaders and senior officials, for mishandling classified materials and other incidents. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
Details
The agency notes that Japan is seeking closer cooperation with the United States and other Western allies, particularly in intelligence sharing, to coordinate responses to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and rising tensions with China. However, doubts about Japan's ability to handle classified information may hinder this cooperation.
The head of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Forces, Ryo Sakai, resigned on Friday, effective July 19, following reports that sailors without security clearances were allowed access to classified surveillance data on foreign warships.
Reuters: Japan seeks to strengthen cooperation with NATO09.07.24, 13:22
Sakai's commander, General Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Japan, and commanders of other military units were also reprimanded but will remain in their posts.
Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara apologized for security lapses and other violations, including fraudulent compensation claims by military personnel for diving missions.
Addendum
In May, Japan passed a new security law that tightens the rules for handling classified information. It is also planning to pass a law that allows the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to actively seek out cybersecurity threats that could harm critical infrastructure or confidential data.