The initiative reported last Saturday, which comes amid heightened tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, will supply radar systems to the Philippines to counter maritime challenges in the South China Sea, where Beijing has intensified its military presence and claims territorial sovereignty over most of the waters.
Mongolia will receive air traffic control equipment under the program, while Indonesia and Djibouti are likely to acquire maritime security vessels, government sources said.
The latest aid package follows Japan's previous OSA grants to Malaysia, Bangladesh and Fiji last year, signaling Tokyo's growing commitment to support nations that share its strategic interests and values in response to China's expanding military influence in the region.
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