Japan's Cyber Security Design Calls China, Russia And North Korea A Threat

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato. (Wikimedia Commons/Cabinet Public Relations Office, Cabinet Secretariat)

JAKARTA - The Japanese government on Monday adopted a draft cybersecurity strategy for the next three years, naming China, Russia, and North Korea as cyber-attack threats for the first time.

The strategy, which is expected to be approved by Cabinet soon, said the online situation contained a 'risk of rapidly evolving into a critical situation', with the three countries suspected of engaging in aggressive cyber activity.

The draft also states that Japan will take firm countermeasures, using every available effective means and capabilities, including a diplomatic response and criminal prosecution.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato urges members of the Cyber Security Strategic Headquarters, to work with local governments while giving sufficient consideration, to gain public trust and continue to implement the measures stated in the strategy."

"Japan does not confirm any cyberattacks affecting the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer," he said, citing Kyodo News on September 27.

In addition, Japan will accelerate cooperation in cyberspace with its partners within the Quad framework, together with the United States, Australia, and India, as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region, the draft said. strategy in an apparent effort to counter China's growing influence.

From the point of view of eliminating risks to economic activity, the strategy notes the need to ensure critical infrastructure, such as submarine cables are properly protected and to create new security and reliability standards for Information Technology (IT) devices.

With the launch of the Digital Agency on September 1 to promote the country's digitization, the draft calls for the simultaneous promotion of cybersecurity and digital reform.

To note, the draft strategy will replace the current strategy adopted in July 2018, sparking criticism from China as "baseless" slander against Beijing and Russia when it was drafted in July.