[ptenk]

What’s missing from this article is that Nobu Iwatani previously worked for defense and foreign ministries in Japan. He is no “civilian”.

[nradov]

You don't get to redefine the word "civilian" to suit your politics. Merely working for a defense ministry doesn't make someone a member of the armed forces.

[simonh]

The fact he previously worked on a project for the military is mentioned in the article.

[yorwba]

This is the same argument used by some to claim that Huawei is the extended arm of Chinese surveillance agencies (e.g. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20366883 ) and I don't think it's very convincing. Work for the government once, lose civilian status forever?

[Jamwinner]

The revolving door between the two, at the very least, warrant closer scrutiny, even if they don't imply breathless accusation of corruption.