Japan's foreign ministry is planning to enhance the framework under which it provides defense equipment to the militaries of like-minded countries.

Official Security Assistance, or OSA, began during the current fiscal year. It is aimed at deepening security cooperation with like-minded countries.

Japan has agreed with the Philippines, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Fiji to provide equipment such as surveillance radar, rescue boats and drones.

The move to strengthen the framework comes as China steps up its maritime activities.

The ministry is requesting about 35 million dollars for the OSA budget for the fiscal year starting in April, more than double the amount for the current fiscal year.

Vietnam and Djibouti are candidates to receive such assistance.

The ministry also plans to expand the administrative division that oversees the framework.

Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko says OSA is increasingly important as the international situation is becoming more severe. She says the ministry will take a strategic approach to strengthening the framework.