Despite often not being given due credit, Prime Minister Kishida and his administration have realized several transformative economic and security reforms.
Japan's Renewable Energy Institute having links to a Chinese state-owned energy company is a national security red flag. A full investigation is in order.
The security clearance system would also apply to the private sector, still allowing business opportunities without compromising sensitive national interests.
In his policy speech, Prime Minister Kishida focused on restoring public trust, but left understated the severe security environment Japan faces today.
Previously, the lack of a security clearance system became a bottleneck to Japanese companies' joint development with US and EU governments and research institutes.
In the face of a Chinese national’s theft, Japan has no law to detect such technology leaks or other espionage and no full-fledged counterintelligence agency.
Japan's indecision will harm its competitiveness. "The security clearance is for people who want access to sensitive information," says a former NSA official.
