Japanese Ground SDF to participate with the US marines in Guam exercises; China condemns Japan over the latter’s latest Defense White Paper; Japan to provide Myanmar with $900 million to ease its debt to World Bank and the ADB
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    • According to reports, Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (GSDF) is to participate with US marines in exercises to be conducted in Guam and Tinian from August 21 through September 26 this year. Around 40 GSDF from Western Army Troops will join the exercises. These exercises are part of the security cooperation between Japan and the US aimed at countering China’s rise in the Asia-Pacific region. 1

    In another development, reports noted that China has recently slammed Japan for the latter’s latest Defense White Paper which underscores China’s rapid military build-up. According to Chinese Foreign Ministry, the Paper unreasonably blamed China and discussed too many Chinese Domestic issues.2 It is worth noting that the White Paper that was released last week, indicated a shifting of balance of power relationship between the Chinese military and the ruling Chinese Communist party, suggesting increasing influence of the military over the country’s decision making. This is the first time Japan has made any comment on China’s changing power structure. 3

    In other developments, according to reports, Japan has recently decided to extend to Myanmar $900 million in bridge loans to held the latter ease its debt to the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Under the World Bank and ADB rules, the borrowing countries are required to clear its debt arrears before asking for new debts. Due to its unpaid debts, Myanmar has not been able to apply for fresh loans from those two economic establishments. However, with Japanese government’s assistance, Myanmar is hoping to open the way for financial aid from the World Bank and the ADB. 4

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