The Abe administration reportedly has its eyes set on changing the government's basic policy on official development assistance so that Japan can use the aid program for the armed forces of foreign countries. This marks a complete departure from the traditional policy based on a nonmilitary principle.
The planned policy change could ruin the trust Japan has gained in the international community through its policy of limiting its overseas aid to economic fields and civil welfare.
The administration should give up on the plan, which might pave the way for equipment and knowhow provided through the aid program to be used on battlefields, thereby making Japan a party to armed conflicts overseas.