Japan bars Chinese, Russian researchers from entering space agency

A scientific institute belonging to Japan's space agency has barred Chinese and Russian researchers from being allowed to protect sensitive technological information that could be used for military purposes, a source close to the matter said.

The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science has set new standards for accepting foreign researchers and students that went into effect in September, the source said Friday. Its parent, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, didn't want to say anything.

The move is part of an effort to prevent foreign agencies from developing weapons of mass destruction from accessing satellites and rockets. Individuals from countries such as North Korea, Iran, Iraq, and Belarus have been barred from entering ISAS.

This could be due to a conflict with your ad blocking or security software. You can add to your list of allowed sites jp and piano.io. If this does not resolve the issue or you are unable to add the domains to your allowlist, please see this FAQ. We humbly apologize for the inconvenience.