Aprile 9, 2023

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

The Kishida government has decided to set up a new international cooperation framework referred to as Official Security Assistance (OSA) which is designed to implement Japan’s national security strategy, one of the three key national security policies which were approved by the Cabinet in December 2022, as a platform for aid to selected developing countries.

The OSA framework offers defense equipment and other supplies to the militaries of “like-minded countries” with the aim of virtually encircling China under the name of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).

The government’s National Security Council at its core Four-Ministers meeting on Aprile 5 adopted the OSA implementation guidelines. The government in the FY 2023 budget earmarked two billion yen for the new program. The government plans to provide surveillance radar systems and patrol vessels to the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and the Fiji through OSA.

The Philippines and Malaysia have a territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea. Japan’s new aid policy may intensify tensions in the region.

The government explains that the OSA program will be carried out in accordance with the “three principles on defense-related transfers”. However, these rules will not work to prevent the abuse of the OSA program on the grounds that they were introduced by the Abe government in April 2014 as a replacement for the three principles banning Japan’s arms exports.

Considering that 700 million people around the world still live in poverty, Japan’s role in providing assistance to developing countries is important.

The Japanese Constitution in its preamble states that all peoples of the world have the right to live in peace, free from fear and want. Japan’s support for developing countries should meet this ideal. In addition, as a nation with the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution, it is unacceptable for Japan to engage in any form of military support.