Japan to expand defense equipment aid to 12 nations amid China concerns
Japan plans to provide defense equipment and supplies to at least 12 like-minded countries under its Official Security Assistance program in fiscal 2026, up from eight the previous year. Kenya is expected to be a first-time recipient, and the government has allocated about 18.1 billion yen for the program, more than double the previous year's amount. Other countries under consideration include the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, East Timor, and Palau.
Why it matters: This expansion reflects the theme of strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, as Japan seeks to counter China's assertiveness through security cooperation.