Japan’s foreign aid is taking on a new path as the country’s cabinet last week approved a new aid charter aligning the country’s development agenda more closely with national interests — a policy shift bannered by a clause allowing the country to use its assistance to fund foreign military troops but only for “nonmilitary” activities.
The new guiding document, called the Development Cooperation Charter, marks a new era in Japanese foreign aid as it takes a more “proactive” approach in promoting peace and stability. It’s arguably a clear declaration of the East Asian nation’s intent to respond to an increasingly insecure international environment.
“In this new era, Japan must strongly lead the international community, as a nation that contributes even more proactively to securing peace, stability and prosperity of the international community,” reads the document. The revision marks the first time the country’s basic aid policy was changed in almost 12 years.
About the author
Lean Alfred Santos@DevexLeanAS
Lean Alfred Santos is a former Devex development reporter focusing on the development community in Asia-Pacific, including major players such as the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. He previously covered Philippine and international business and economic news, sports and politics.
