Japan Foreign Min. Seeks 1.2-T.-Yen Budget for FY 2027

Tokyo, Aug. 31 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Foreign Ministry said Monday that it seeks a budget of 1,216.5 billion yen for fiscal 2027, up 48.9 pct from the fiscal 2026 initial budget, as it moves to bolster strategic cooperation with like-minded countries. The ministry said it has consolidated funds it would have included in supplementary budgets into its regular budget request. It plans to make full use of security-related official development assistance and official security assistance, or OSA, under which Japan provides defense equipment free of charge to like-minded countries. The ministry hopes to secure 157.6 billion yen for a budget item intended to create a security environment favorable to Japan. Security-related ODA and OSA are major components of this item. While the ministry has aided countries through ODA projects that contribute to security, it will establish a dedicated framework for security-related ODA to clarify its objectives. The framework will be used to support the development of nautical charts to help stabilize sea lanes, facilitate infrastructure construction in like-minded countries and enhance their cybersecurity capabilities. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]