Japan and NATO Consider Establishing Dedicated Line for Security Intelligence Sharing to "Counter China and Russia"

Nikkei "Timing Not Confirmed... Early Realization Target"

On the 20th, Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that the Japanese government and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are considering establishing a dedicated high-security communication line to quickly share classified information related to security.

According to the report, Japan and NATO, seeking to strengthen security cooperation, are promoting the construction of a communication network that allows important security matters to be discussed not only between leaders but also among working-level officials. Previously, in July last year, Japan and NATO agreed on a new cooperation plan to respond to cyberattacks originating from China and Russia.

NATO possesses a military classified information sharing network called the "Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation System (BICES)," which enables secure remote information exchange. Nihon Keizai Shimbun conveyed that Japan and NATO appear to be considering installing a similar communication network.

The newspaper reported that although the establishment timing has not yet been decided, the goal is to realize it at an early stage.

Until now, Japan and NATO have mainly discussed classified security information in face-to-face settings. Consequently, there have been criticisms that related discussions take a long time and are cumbersome.

The main purpose of building the new communication network is to enhance the ability to respond to cyberattacks and information warfare from China and Russia, Nihon Keizai Shimbun explained. The newspaper pointed out, "In addition to cyberattacks, China and Russia are also showing their presence in the space domain, which is called a new area of security," and "Japan and NATO are trying to address these threats."