Japan's Security Policy

On December 16, 2023, in Tokyo, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and H.E. Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, signed and exchanged notes for 400 million yen in “Official Security Assistance (OSA)” grant aid in the presence of Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, and H.E. Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia.

OSA was established in 2023 as a new cooperation framework for the benefit of armed forces and other related organizations of recipient countries with the aim of deepening our security cooperation with the countries, creating a desirable security environment, and contributing to maintaining and strengthening international peace and security, by enhancing their security and deterrence capabilities through the provision of equipment and supplies as well as assistance for the development of infrastructures.

Malaysia, which has elevated its Relations with Japan to the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”, is a coastal country on the Strait of Malacca and is largely located in front of the southern part of the South China Sea, which means Malaysia is located at an important location on the maritime transportation route connecting the Indian Ocean and East Asia. Thus, it is very timely and crucial that Japan contributes to the improvement of security capabilities of the Malaysian Armed Forces, which has engaged for monitoring and surveillance of these important sea lanes for Japan and the region as a whole.

This programme aims to provide equipment (e.g. rescue boat) which will be used for the Malaysian Armed Forces’ activities such as monitoring and surveillance and is expected to strengthen Malaysia's security capabilities. It is also expected that this will contribute to maintaining and strengthening of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.