Japan said on Wednesday that it would provide countries with financial aid to strengthen their defenses, breaking its longstanding policy of not using overseas aid for military objectives.
At a routine press conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated Japan’s Overseas Security Assistance (OSA) would be maintained separately from the ODA program that has sponsored roads, dams, and other civilian infrastructure for decades.
“Through increasing their security and deterrent capacities, OSA wants to enhance our security cooperation with the nations, to create a favorable security environment for Japan,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Japan’s greatest military buildup since World War Two marks a departure from its constitution’s pacifism and decades of political rhetoric.
The foreign ministry stated the additional aid would not be used to acquire lethal weapons that recipients may employ in disputes with other nations in conformity with three arms export norms.
The government expects satellite communication and marine surveillance radio systems to be completed this fiscal year, and first aid preparations are ongoing.
The first receivers may be the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Fiji. On Wednesday, the foreign ministry requested an OSA feasibility assessment in those nations to improve maritime security.
On Monday, Yomiuri reported that Japan might give the Philippines radars to monitor Chinese action in the South China Sea.
The foreign ministry said the funding would only be awarded to developing nations.
Japan’s December pledge of a five-year tripling of defense spending to confront China’s expanding military power prompted the expansion of international contributions to military programs.
By revamping its defense strategy, Japan’s arms export restriction is gaining support. According to TBS, the ruling coalition plans to begin working-level negotiations on relaxing arms export limits by the new policy in late April.
To challenge China, Japan has increased its relations with emerging nations. For example, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida launched a $75 billion Indo-Pacific initiative in March to strengthen connections with South and Southeast Asia.
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