Japan Eyes Philippines as First Recipient of Security Grant

10 Februari 2023

Philippine Army considers to receive Japan Type 74 MBT (photo : Wiki) 

TOKYO -- Japan is looking to provide a security cooperation grant to the Philippines, its first such allotment under a new program designed to bolster the defensive capabilities of regional allies.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Tokyo on Thursday, with both sides working to include the grant in the summit's outcome document.

In key security policy documents updated in December, Japan outlined plans to create the new program as a way to strengthen the armed forces of partner countries. The government's draft budget for fiscal 2023 included 2 billion yen ($15.2 million) for the initiative.

The Philippines would be the first recipient of the grants, which could take the form of funding and equipment. Further details will be ironed out once the Japanese parliament passes the budget.

The new program is separate from Japan's development assistance grants, which are limited to nonmilitary purposes.

In remarks delivered on Wednesday before leaving for Japan, Marcos expressed interest in pursuing wide-ranging cooperation with Japan, including on the national security and economic fronts.

(Nikkei)