In Geopolitics Today: Wednesday, April 19th
Japan Introduces Framework to Expand Military Aid to Partner Nations, Egypt Shifts from Russian Rocket Deal to Supplying Ukraine, and other stories.
Japan Introduces Framework to Expand Military Aid to Partner Nations
Japan has launched the Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework to provide military assistance to "friendly countries" in order to enhance their defence capabilities and deterrence capabilities.
The OSA is part of Japan's strategic shift from a defensive international military posture to a more active one, and its focus on providing military hardware to developing countries is aimed at creating a desirable security environment in the Indo-Pacific region. While the program highlights Japan's commitment to regional security, its implementation may face challenges, including the need to ensure that recipients follow the conditions for the use of military hardware and finding ways to lower costs for a larger military footprint abroad.
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US and Australia to Expand Hypersonic Technology Production
The development and production of hypersonic technology are complex and require significant effort and resources. The United States is seeking to accelerate the pace of hypersonic strike development and deployment by leveraging its alliances, particularly the AUKUS Pact with Australia, to expand production capacity, intensify testing, and ensure allied interoperability.
Hypersonic technology is becoming increasingly important in modern high-end combat, with Russia and China already developing and deploying hypersonic weapons. Australia has expressed an interest in hypersonic technology, and the country's participation in the SCIFiRE program over the past 15 years has provided an opportunity for co-development and co-production with the US. A major hypersonic force would meet Australian strategic requirements, and expanding hypersonic co-development and co-production between Australia and the US is politically and strategically practicable.
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Israeli Foreign Minister Visits Azerbaijan to Strengthen Ties
During a recent visit to Azerbaijan, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen discussed strengthening ties with President Ilham Aliyev. The two countries are looking to deepen their economic, tourism, and security partnerships, with Azerbaijan being viewed as a critical access point to Eurasia for Israel.
The visits come amid growing tensions with Iran. Cohen arrived in Baku with a large economic delegation of some 30 companies, with more than 100 meetings set up for Israeli representatives with local companies and officials. Israel has been supplying weapons to Azerbaijan, including drones used in the Karabakh conflict with Armenia. Cohen is also expected to visit Turkmenistan, where Israel is expected to open an embassy. Israel and Turkmenistan have maintained diplomatic ties since the 1993 signing of the Oslo Accords. However, bilateral ties between the two countries have been limited, with a focus mainly on agriculture cooperation.
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US Cannot Use Philippines as Military Base Under EDCA
Enrique Manalo, the Philippine Foreign Secretary, has confirmed that under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which has recently been revived and expanded, the United States cannot use Philippine territory as a base to conduct military operations. The Philippines’ main objective is to maintain friendly relationships with all countries, including China, he said.
This statement comes amid increasing tensions between China and the Philippines after the announcement of four additional EDCA sites facing the South China Sea and Taiwan. The US National Defense Authorization Act, which permits contingency arms stockpiling in Taiwan, has raised concerns among some Philippine lawmakers. With the Philippines trying to reassure China of its intentions and trying to address domestic concerns regarding EDCA sites, the latest development may slightly limit US-Philippine military cooperation.
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Egypt Shifts from Russian Rocket Deal to Supplying Ukraine
Egypt has reportedly suspended its plans to manufacture rockets for Russia and has decided to supply ammunition to Ukraine after talks with officials from the United States. The shift towards supplying ammunition to Ukraine would prove a diplomatic win for the US and Ukraine, as Cairo has warm ties with Russia but also receives significant US military assistance.
The leaked documents in question include information about Russia's war effort, intelligence collected from allied states, and details of NATO military support to Ukraine. Although the Biden administration has been facing pressure to place conditions on US aid to Egypt to push for favourable political conditions, it has continued to praise the Egyptian government's efforts in the region, including its mediation between Israel and Palestinian groups.