Japan to provide equipment to militaries of like-minded nations

Japan decided Wednesday to provide equipment to the armed forces of "like-minded" countries that share its values, such as the rule of law, to improve their defense capabilities to deal with regional security threats, including China's military buildup in the Indo-Pacific.The four Asia-Pacific nations of Malaysia, the Philippines, Bangladesh and Fiji have been designated as recipients of the new grant assistance, designed to "create a favorable security environment" for Japan, according to the government.Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the measures will help deter unilateral a…READ FULL ARTICLE