In one of the most significant changes to Tokyo's foreign aid charter in more than a decade, the Japanese Cabinet has modified the rules for its overseas assistance fund to allow support for foreign militaries engaged in non-combat activities. The evolution of the Official Development Assistance fund (ODA), now known as the Development Cooperation Charter, means that Japan can expand the scope of its activities abroad, previously limited to grants, aid, technical cooperation and infrastructure development. Tokyo is attempting to redefine itself internationally in response to evolving regional, economic and security threats. As a result, Japan must take increasing responsibility for its overseas activities and manage the risk associated with its maturing foreign policy. The expanded charter is not completely groundbreaking, but it is one of many steps reflecting Japan's 21st century aspirations. The biggest question, though, is not the extent of Japan's transformation from a post-war model, but whether Tokyo can afford it. Analysis For Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration, now is an important time to be thinking about Japan's position overseas. Maritime and territorial disputes in the East China Sea highlight the importance of maintaining stability at a time when China is concerned about resources and strategic access to the region. Tokyo's plans to expand its outreach in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America put it on a collision course with other state and non-state actors. The Islamic State's recent kidnapping and killing of two Japanese nationals was a stark reminder of the risks that come with overseas involvements. Abe is also trying to balance military normalization with Japan's non-violent, non-interventionist approach to foreign policy at a time of economic uncertainty. The evolution of Japan's primary means of overseas engagement was tabled in early 2014, but the latest policy shift opens up more opportunities to establish regional and global partnerships with sympathetic nations, moves that would likely antagonize competing nations such as China and South Korea. Reaching Out From Isolation In the immediate aftermath of World War II, Japan found itself once more secluded, this time by no choice of its own. In addition to its geographic isolation, Tokyo was cut adrift from the international community, with the exception of an occupying United States. Beginning in the mid-1950s, Japan made fledgling attempts to reach out under the auspices of post-war reparations, but the only international outreach Tokyo could muster was through tentative assistance packages. What was considered quaint at first became a more serious proposition in the 1970s when Japan emerged as a major economic force. The Cold War provided stability for Japan. Disavowing militarily aggression while under the protective blanket of the United States, Tokyo did not have the defense expenditure, military commitments or foreign policy dilemmas of NATO or the Warsaw Pact countries. Under the doctrine named after Japan's first post-World War II prime minister, Shigeru Yoshida, efforts were channeled into commercial heavy industry, innovation and commerce. Japan relied on the United States for trade as well as safety. After the Soviet Union collapsed in the 1990s, Japan embraced the opportunity to expand its international influence beyond traditional agricultural and infrastructure cooperation into areas focused more on security, society and enduring partnerships. China Watch out on Japanese military ambition power development imperialism 日本軍事領域又有“大动作” ,for more information about china world news visit site at http://youtube.com/user/chinaworldnews visit site at http://penglaichina.com

• published: 02 Oct 2015
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