The Five Eyes intelligence alliance could soon get a sixth member.

The alliance is currently made up of New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.

The Telegraph reports the UK Government are in talks with Japan to join the alliance.

Otago University International Relations Professor Robert Patman told Heather du Plessis-Allan it appears discussions are going on.

"The Five Eyes, all English speaking countries, has been in place since the mid-50s and they may now feel, now that we're nearly 30 years into the-post Cold War era, its time to modernise and update the Five Eyes intelligence sharing arrangement."

Mr Patman believes it could be related to the perception China has become more assertive international, and Japan could prove to be a handy friend.

He adds China's relationship with a number of countries have strained recently.