Japan Bolsters Security Ties with Key Nations
Japan is expanding its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program to encompass four nations deemed strategically critical in countering China’s growing regional influence. The program, launched in April 2023, provides defense equipment and other support to like-minded nations without any cost burden on the recipients.
Expanding Reach for Deterring Threats
“The government wants to help nations that share the same values and similar diplomatic challenges so they can improve their security capabilities and deterrence,” government sources revealed. The OSA program signifies Japan’s proactive stance in fostering global security and promoting stability in a region increasingly characterized by geopolitical tensions.
Japan has allocated approximately 5 billion yen ($33 million) for the OSA program in the fiscal 2024 budget, marking a 2.5-fold increase from the previous year. This substantial financial commitment underscores the nation’s commitment to strengthening its partnerships with key allies.
Strengthening Alliances in a Shifting Landscape
The Philippines, facing territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, will receive coastal surveillance radar for the second consecutive year. The agreement is expected to be finalized by the end of 2023, enhancing Manila’s ability to monitor and protect its maritime borders.
Indonesia, viewed as a bulwark against China’s maritime expansion in the South China Sea, is also a recipient. Mongolia, often referred to as China’s “backyard,” will benefit from the program, further cementing Japan’s strategic ties with a nation crucial to regional stability.
Djibouti, host to Japan’s only overseas base for the Self-Defense Forces, completes the list. The Horn of Africa nation holds strategic significance for Japan’s maritime security operations. Agreements with these three nations are expected to be signed early next year.
AProgram Distinct from Traditional Aid
The OSA program distinguishes itself from Official Development Assistance (ODA), which primarily focuses on supporting economic and social development in recipient countries. While ODA may provide limited support for foreign military forces in areas like disaster relief, the OSA program explicitly targets bolstering defense capabilities.
Careful selection preceded this latest round of partnerships. On-site surveys and consultations with candidates ensured that the chosen nations aligned with Japan’s strategic goals.
Long-Term Deployment for Continued Stability
“Tokyo is also considering continued support beyond fiscal 2025 for the Philippines, which has been selected for the second consecutive year,” government sources indicated.
This commitment underscores Japan’s long-term vision for fostering stability and security in the region, recognizing the evolving dynamics and the importance of forging enduring partnerships with like-minded nations.
What are Japan’s motivations for expanding its Official Security Assistance program?
## Japan’s Growing Global Security Role: An Interview
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re joined by Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert on East Asian security affairs. Dr. Carter, Japan has recently announced a significant expansion of its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program. Can you tell us more about this?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. As you mentioned, Japan launched the OSA program in April 2023 [[1](https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/05/asia/japan-overseas-military-aid-intl-hnk/index.html)]. This program provides defense equipment and other types of support to countries that share Japan’s values and face similar security challenges. Importantly, this assistance is provided completely free of charge to the recipient countries.
**Host:** What’s behind this move?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s fundamentally about countering China’s growing influence in the region. The program is geared towards strengthening security ties with key nations who are wary of China’s assertive posturing.
**Host:** We understand that Japan has earmarked a significant sum for this program.
**Dr. Carter:** That’s right. Japan has allocated about 5 billion yen, which is roughly $33 million, for the OSA program in its fiscal 2024 budget. This is a significant increase – almost 2.5 times larger than the previous year’s budget – indicating Japan’s growing commitment to this initiative.
**Host:** Can you give us any examples of countries benefiting from this program?
**Dr. Carter:** One prominent example is the Philippines. They are facing significant territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, and the OSA program will provide them with crucial coastal surveillance radar for the second consecutive year.
**Host:** So this is about more than just military hardware?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. This program is part of a broader strategy by Japan to position itself as a key security partner in the region and contribute to maintaining a stable and rules-based order.
**Host**: Dr. Carter, thank you so much for providing us with these valuable insights.
