Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Establish Economic Security Department
Japan's Foreign Ministry Announces Large-Scale Organizational Reform
Japan's Foreign Ministry is set to undergo a significant reorganization on July 30, 2025, with the establishment of new divisions aimed at strengthening its response to economic security issues and enhancing its engagement with Europe [1][2][3].
At the heart of the reform is the creation of a new Economic Security Division within the Economic Affairs Bureau. This division will focus on addressing vulnerabilities in supply chains for critical materials, such as rare earth metals and semiconductors, which are essential for Japan’s economy and national security [1][2][3][4]. The move reflects the intensifying geopolitical rivalries, notably the escalating U.S.-China competition, which threatens the stability and reliability of these supply chains.
In addition to the Economic Security Division, the ministry is introducing an Economic Diplomacy Strategy Division to tackle emerging issues related to artificial intelligence and digital technology. This complements the economic security focus by addressing broader technological and economic challenges affecting Japan’s global economic position [1][2][4].
The restructuring also includes changes within the European Affairs Bureau. The Western Europe Division and the Central and South Eastern Europe Division will be reorganized into the first Europe Division and the Second Europe Division. The Second Europe Division will have an office handling policies associated with Ukraine, Poland, the three Baltic states, and three other nations [1][4]. A director-level position focused on economic strategy will also be established within the European Affairs Bureau to reinforce economic ties with Europe.
The reform aims to integrate economic considerations more tightly with national security and diplomacy, ensuring Japan can safeguard critical resources and maintain a stable, resilient economic foundation in an increasingly complex international landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China [1][2][3][4].
- The new Economic Security Division will focus on strengthening supply chains for key minerals and better responding to issues related to economic security.
- The purpose of the new division is to better respond to issues related to economic security.
- The Economic Diplomacy Strategy Division will handle emerging issues, such as those linked to digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
- The reorganization at the European Affairs Bureau aims to enhance the ministry's response to economic and political issues in Europe.
- Issues pertaining to Russia's invasion of Ukraine will be dealt with intensively by the office within the Second Europe Division.
- The new divisions are part of the large-scale organizational reform announced by the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
[1] The reform is scheduled to take place on July 30. [2] The reorganization at the European Affairs Bureau will involve changes within the Foreign Ministry. [3] The reform is in response to heightening U.S.-China tensions. [4] The Japanese Foreign Ministry will implement a large-scale organizational reform on July 30.
- The new Economic Security Division, instated within the Economic Affairs Bureau, will focus on fortifying supply chains for essential minerals and better responding to issues related to economic security.
- The purpose of this division is to better respond to issues related to economic security and strengthen Japan's national security.
- The Economic Diplomacy Strategy Division, introduced as part of the reform, will tackle emerging issues, such as those linked to digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and other broad economic challenges, aiming to safeguard Japan's global economic position.
- The restructuring at the European Affairs Bureau is intended to enhance the ministry's response to economic and political issues in Europe, including intensive handling of issues pertaining to Russia's invasion of Ukraine within the Second Europe Division.
- The establishment of the Economic Security Division, the Economic Diplomacy Strategy Division, and the changes within the European Affairs Bureau are part of the large-scale organizational reform announced by the Japanese Foreign Ministry, scheduled to take place on July 30.
