Even Japan, it would appear, a nation as closely allied to the United States as any in the world, is distancing itself from NSA mass surveillance. This editorial from Japan’s Ryukyo Shimpo Shimbun suggests that America’s ambitious surveillance program is a direct result of Washington’s declining influence, and advises Tokyo to join with the rest of the world and take a ‘tough stance’ against NSA spying.
The Ryukyo Shimpo Shimbun editorial says in part:
As can be seen by its debt crisis, America’s international prestige in all areas – political, economic, and diplomatic – is wavering. This reckless espionage activity may be partly due to the fact that intelligence, which would have been gained effortlessly in the past, is now more difficult to glean because the United States is no longer as credible. We are witnessing the arrogance and desperation of a declining superpower.
The likelihood is great that Japan’s prime minister is included on the list of “35 leaders,” and it is already apparent that the Japanese Embassy in the U.S. was a target. The Japanese government should adopt a tough stance like all the others.
Even if Japan passes a special information protection law that applies to government data and lays out reasons for protecting “state secrets,” it would be impossible to safeguard the national interest if eavesdropping is permitted. It goes without saying that a tightening of control over sensitive data means the United States will not be permitted to continue tapping into our conversations. If we are yet again subservient, Japan’s prestige will be diminished as well.
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