Japan’s Defense Ministry has announced disciplinary action against more than 200 senior officials and service members for mishandling classified materials and other misconduct. This significant embarrassment could hurt Japan’s efforts to work more closely with the United States and other partners.
The ministry and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) have been scrutinized for allegations that navy members violated sensitive information protection laws. Other misconduct includes falsely claiming allowances for special assignments and wrongfully claiming free meals at base cafeterias. Some ministerial staff were also accused of abusing their power.
Defense Minister Minoru Kihara apologized, acknowledging that these problems have significantly damaged public trust in the ministry and the SDF. He stated that there is a widespread lack of discipline within the organization.
An investigation by the ministry found that classified information was mishandled on 38 destroyers and submarines. However, Kihara assured that no sensitive information leaked outside the military or caused any harm. It was discovered that people without appropriate clearances were often assigned to duties involving sensitive information.
This situation is particularly embarrassing for Japan as it seeks to strengthen military cooperation with the United States, Australia, the UK, and other Western partners. Ensuring the protection of intelligence is crucial for these partnerships. Kihara emphasized that such problems should never happen again and pledged to implement preventive measures quickly and thoroughly to maintain trust with other countries.
Earlier this year, Japan passed a new security law that tightened rules on handling sensitive information. The country also plans to enact legislation to bolster its cybersecurity defenses.
Kihara announced that he would forgo his salary for a month. However, he believes his responsibility is to stay on and reform the organization rather than step down. He expressed his commitment to rebuilding the Defense Ministry and the SDF to regain public trust as soon as possible.
Of the 218 people disciplined, 11 senior officials were dismissed, two were demoted, dozens were suspended, and 14 received pay cuts. About half of those disciplined received warnings.
Among those disciplined, the head of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, Admiral Ryo Sakai, will resign to take responsibility for some of the misconduct. He will be replaced on July 19 by Akira Saito, the current Self-Defense Fleet commander-in-chief, as announced by the minister.
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