The Japanese government has decided to set up a new framework to provide defense equipment and other supplies to like-minded countries to enhance regional security cooperation.

Japan's national security strategy, which was revised in December, stipulates the establishment of a framework to assist countries with shared values, such as upholding the rule of law.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu told reporters on Wednesday that the nine Cabinet ministers of the National Security Council decided to set up the "Official Security Assistance" framework and approved its implementation guidelines.

The guidelines say assistance will be provided only in fields not directly related to any international conflict and within the framework of Japan's principles on the transfer of defense equipment abroad.

The recipient countries and supplies provided will be considered based on need and eligibility.

For the current fiscal year, Japan is considering supplying the armed forces and related organizations of the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Fiji with radars and satellite communication systems to monitor territorial waters and airspace.

Matsuno stressed the need to drastically strengthen Japan's defense capabilities and to upgrade the deterrence of like-minded countries amid the harshest and most complex security environment since World War Two.

He explained that is why the government decided to offer the OSA framework separately from its "Official Development Assistance" program. The ODA aims to contribute to the economic and social development of developing countries.