TERMS OF REFERENCE SETS MILESTONES FOR FUTURE

S E C R E T TOKYO 003690 SIPDIS SIPDIS TO COMUSJAPAN FOR J00 E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/08/2022 TAGS: PGOV JA MARR PGOV PINR PREL SUBJECT: TERMS OF REFERENCE SETS MILESTONES FOR FUTURE INFORMATION SECURITY COOPERATION Classified By: Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer, Reasons: 1.4 (b/d) ¶1. (S) SUMMARY: The DAS-level Bilateral Information Security Task Force (BISTF) approved on August 3 a Terms of Reference (TOR) and set of ambitious Milestones aimed at strengthening Japan's ability to protect classified information. The Japanese delegation was co-chaired by the Ministry of Defense (MOD),MOFA, and Cabinet Information Research Office (CIRO) and included representatives from the National Police Agency (NPA),Cabinet Office, and Public Security Intelligence Agency (PSIA). Broad inter-agency participation was a key U.S. objective for the process. Japan also accepted the U.S. proposal to divide BISTF work into three phases, with initial implementation on the first stage to begin immediately. END SUMMARY ¶2. (S) On August 1 and 3, U.S. and Japanese officials convened the first set of meetings of the inter-agency Bilateral Information Security Task Force (BISTF). DASD for East Asia David Sedney, State EAP/J Director James Zumwalt, and Embassy DNI Representative co-chaired the U.S. side. Ministry of Defense (MOD) Defense Policy Bureau Deputy Director General (DDG) Hironori Kanazawa, MOFA North American Affairs Bureau DDG Koji Haneda, and Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office (CIRO) Counselor Shinichi Kisaka were the Japanese co-chairs. The Cabinet Secretariat, National Police Agency (NPA),Public Security Intelligence Agency (PSIA),Joint Staff Office (JSO),and each of the three service staffs were represented at the Director-level. OUTLINING A SHARED VISION -------------- ¶3. (S) On August 3 the Bilateral Information Security Task Force (BISTF) approved a Terms of Reference (TOR) and a set of Milestones to help strengthen Government of Japan information security practices. Despite initial Japanese reservations, especially about phase three and government-wide measures, that were raised at the first round of talks on August 1, the Japanese worked closely with the U.S. to reach agreement on a three-phased approach to improve information security and bilateral cooperation. U.S. and Japanese representatives agreed that the overall goal of the BISTF is to outline a shared vision for the future of Japanese information security, with an emphasis on using improved information sharing as the basis for expanding Alliance cooperation. ¶4. (S) DDG Kanazawa opened by stating that the Japanese government remains committed to introducing comprehensive changes to Japan's information security regime, not just to resolve the AEGIS disclosure. Improving Japanese counter-intelligence practices will require cooperation bilaterally as well as within the various Japanese ministries. DDG Haneda noted that an early approval of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) will serve as a positive step towards shared confidence in information security procedures. Both Kanazawa and Haneda agreed that the TOR will serve as a useful framework for future Government of Japan reforms. ¶5. (S) CIRO's Kisaka emphasized the critical role of appropriate ministries in ensuring a government-wide effort. Kisaka continued by stating that CIRO will become the lead organization in a consolidated inter-agency counter-intelligence effort. Kisaka announced CIRO's intention to bring many issues contained in the long-term milestone list to the cabinet in early August for approval. ¶6. (S) DASD Sedney thanked the Japanese for their support of the BISTF process. He reinforced that the ultimate goal of the BISTF is for both governments to establish a shared vision. He noted that Deputy Secretary Negroponte and Amb. Schieffer had been briefed on the BISTF meetings and were encouraged by Japan's flexibility, especially on inter-agency cooperation. EAP/J Director Zumwalt underscored that confidence-building which results from improvements in Japan's information security regime would strengthen the alliance. Broad inter-agency cooperation between the U.S. and Japan turned an unfortunate incident (the AEGIS disclosure) into an opportunity for deepening the alliance. ¶7. (S) DNI Representative reiterated USG support for the attendance of agencies like CIRO, PSIA and the NPA. U.S. intelligence agencies are prepared to share their knowledge with Japanese counterparts. She emphasized the need for better understanding of current Japanese information security practices. In regards to agreement on the TOR and Milestones, DNI Representative stated that its approval will facilitate cooperation. She applauded the hard work on both sides to complete the document. REMAINING GOJ CONCERNS -------------- ¶8. (S) The Japanese side stated that many of the short-term Milestones could be implemented immediately. It is important to continue to refine specific long-term Milestones, especially as cooperation improves over the coming months the Japanese noted. MOFA DDG Haneda said that some mid- and long-term Milestones still need to be confirmed by ministries and agencies not present at the meeting, but that such approval would not be problematic. DASD Sedney emphasized that while both sides work to refine the Milestones, Japan's continued acceptance of those Milestones is an important signal to the U.S. of its seriousness. THE WAY FORWARD -------------- ¶9. (S) DDG Haneda outlined a schedule of upcoming meetings. The Japanese suggested the next BISTF be held mid-September in Washington D.C. and that informal discussions by the Implementation Group begin after August 20. The U.S. side suggested informal Implementation Group discussions commence sooner. Both sides agreed that the Implementation Group can serve as a useful venue to exchange lessons learned, allocate responsibilities, and continue refining the TOR Milestones. ¶10. (U) DASD Sedney has approved this cable. SCHIEFFER