Japan to start funding foreign defence projects after rule change
- Tokyo says the aid is aimed at bolstering defences and won’t be used to buy lethal weapons that recipient countries could use in conflicts
- The government has yet to name possible beneficiaries, but local media have reported that the Philippines and Malaysia are candidates
Japan’s Overseas Security Assistance (OSA) will be operated separately from the Overseas Development Assistance programme that for decades has funded roads, dams and other civilian infrastructure projects, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a regular news conference.
“By enhancing their security and deterrence capabilities, OSA aims to deepen our security cooperation with the countries, to create a desirable security environment for Japan,” said a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday .
The aid will not be used to buy lethal weapons that recipient countries could use in conflicts with other nations in accordance with the three principles that govern arms exports, according to the statement.
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Specific projects are expected to include satellite communication and radio systems for maritime surveillance, and preparations are under way for the first aid to be finalised within this financial year, the foreign ministry said.