Core Viewpoint - Japan is significantly increasing its defense budget for 2026, focusing on enhancing its capability to provide military equipment to foreign nations, particularly in response to China's maritime activities [1] Group 1: Budget Allocation - The 2026 budget for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs includes a substantial increase in funding for the "Government Security Capability Enhancement Support" (OSA), amounting to 18.1 billion yen (approximately 815 million RMB), which is an increase of 10 billion yen from the previous year's budget of 8.1 billion yen [1] - The budget allocation for OSA is aimed at strengthening the military capabilities of recipient countries [1] Group 2: Intelligence and Security Measures - In addition to OSA, the 2026 budget also includes 25 billion yen earmarked for "foreign intelligence warfare countermeasures" [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Japanese government plans to accelerate the provision of military equipment to foreign countries as part of its 2026 budget proposal, reflecting a shift in defense policy aimed at countering China's maritime activities [1][3]. Group 1: Budget Allocation - The "Government Security Capability Enhancement Support" (OSA) will see a significant increase in funding, amounting to 18.1 billion yen (approximately 815 million RMB), which is an increase of 10 billion yen from the previous year's budget of 8.1 billion yen [3]. - In addition, the budget for "foreign intelligence warfare strategies" is set at 25 billion yen for 2026 [3]. Group 2: Strategic Context - OSA was established based on the "National Security Strategy" finalized in a cabinet meeting in 2022 and was created in April 2023, with previous support provided to four countries, including the Philippines, amounting to approximately 2 billion yen in the 2023 fiscal year and around 5 billion yen in the 2024 fiscal year [3]. - Analysts suggest that Japan's actions are part of a broader strategy to align with the U.S. "Indo-Pacific Strategy" and to strategically encircle China, indicating a departure from Japan's post-World War II defense principles [3].

Group 1 - The Japanese government plans to provide free reconnaissance drones to Sri Lanka as part of its strategy to enhance security support to "like-minded" Asian countries amid concerns over China's maritime expansion [1][2] - Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is expected to meet with Sri Lankan President Dinesh Gunawardena to sign an agreement allowing Japan to supply drones under the "Official Security Assistance" (OSA) framework [1] - The OSA assistance for the fiscal year 2025 includes eight countries, with Sri Lanka being the second recipient of drones after Malaysia, which has already received 14 drones and 7 rescue boats from Japan [1] Group 2 - Both Malaysia and Sri Lanka are located in strategic maritime chokepoints, and Japan's actions are seen as part of a broader strategy to counter China's influence in the region [2] - Japan's right-wing forces are increasingly gaining power, and the country is enhancing its defense capabilities in alignment with the U.S. "Indo-Pacific Strategy," aiming to encircle China strategically [2] - The provision of military equipment by Japan, although labeled as "free," is expected to lead to further cooperation and military expansion, indicating a departure from Japan's post-World War II defense principles [2]

越南总理范明政（右）与日本首相石破茂在会谈前握手（4月28日，河内，Kyodo） 两位首相在会谈后交换了文件，内容涉及在安全、经济和人材交流方面加强合作。双方确认2025 年内在日本召开首次外务和防卫副部长级2+2会议。 安保领域将以防卫装备和技术合作为主。考虑充分利用向志同道合的国家无偿支援防卫装备等 的"政府安全保障能力强化支援（OSA）"。还将加强合作，以应对海外有组织的诈骗和网络犯 罪。 在经济领域，双方将探索在半导体、人工智能（AI）、量子技术等前沿领域、以及防灾和强化供 应链方面的合作。建立有利于日本企业在越南投资的环境。 越南在东南亚国家联盟（ASEAN）内保持着很高的增长率。2024年国内生产总值（GDP）增长 率超过7%，并提出了2025年达到8%的目标。 两国首相还讨论了应对美国特朗普政府关税措施的问题，明确了自由贸易的重要性。中国国家主 席习近平在4月中旬比日本首相石破茂稍早访问了包括越南在内的东南亚三国。在美国加征关税 之机，加强接近东南亚。 日本经济新闻（中文版：日经中文网）手塚悟史 河内报道 两位首相会后交换了文件。双方确认2025年内在日本召开首次外务和防卫副部长级2+2会议…… ...