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WikiLeaks: NSA Spied on Japan Gov’t, Firms

WikiLeaks: NSA Spied on Japan Gov’t, Firms
WikiLeaks: NSA Spied on Japan Gov’t, Firms

The WikiLeaks website published documents Friday that it says shows the US government spied on Japanese officials and companies.

The documents include what appear to be five US National Security Agency reports, four of which are marked top-secret, that reveal internal Japanese discussions on international trade and climate change policy, AP reported.

WikiLeaks also posted an NSA list of 35 Japanese targets for telephone intercepts, including the Japanese Cabinet office, Bank of Japan officials, Finance and Trade Ministry numbers and fossil fuel departments at Mitsubishi and Mitsui.

“The lesson for Japan is this: Do not expect a global surveillance superpower to act with honor or respect,” WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Julian Assange said in a statement accompanying the release.

The report added it expected the former Japanese minister to touch on subjects of tariffs on forestry and fishery products, the need for bilateral consultations on individual products and fisheries subsidies.

“Regarding the implementation of outcome testing, Ishiba may ask how the United States trade representatives will counter developing countries’ opposition to holding consultations on special products. The minister could also address the need to ensure that the results of the WTO agriculture negotiations do not curtail agriculture in the member countries.”

Japan is the latest NSA target uncovered by WikiLeaks, which recently published documents implicating the agency in eavesdropping French, Saudi and German high-ranking officials.

The intelligence gathered by the US is shared with its “Five Eyes” alliance, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

 

Financialtribune.com