Japan's Security Policy

As Japan is finding itself in the midst of the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II, it is essential for us to drastically strengthen our own defense capabilities as well as enhance the security and deterrence capabilities of like-minded countries in order to prevent unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, ensure the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region in particular, and create a security environment desirable for Japan.

In order to achieve this objective, apart from “Official Development Assistance (ODA)” which aims for the economic and social development of developing countries, Japan has decided to establish a new cooperation framework “Official Security Assistance (OSA)” for the benefit of armed forces and other related organizations by providing materials and equipment as well as assistance for infrastructures development based on the security needs of the countries. OSA is referred to in the new “National Security Strategy” approved by the Cabinet on 16 December 2022.

Excerpt from National Security Strategy of Japan (December 2022)

• VI Strategic Approaches Prioritized by Japan
• 2. Strategic Approaches and Major Ways and Means
• (1) Develop Efforts Centered on Diplomacy to Prevent Crises, Proactively Create a Peaceful and Stable International Environment, and Strengthen a Free and Open International Order
• (vii) Strategic Use of ODA and Other International Cooperation
  “For the purpose of deepening security cooperation with like-minded countries, apart from ODA for the economic and social development of developing countries and other purposes, a new cooperation framework for the benefit of armed forces and other related organizations will be established. Japan will provide equipment and supplies as well as assistance for the development of infrastructures to like-minded countries in view of strengthening their security capacities and improving their deterrence capabilities. This is part of the efforts to reinforce the comprehensive defense architecture.”