Today’s Nikkei reported that Japan’s provision of official development assistance (ODA) is likely to reach a record high this year, surpassing the previous high of $14.4 billion marked in 1995. The GOJ has reportedly committed ODA to a range of COVID-19-related programs for Asia, Latin America, and Africa, including the provision of ventilators, AstraZeneca vaccine, and equipment necessary to transport vaccines, with the goal of countering China’s growing presence in international public health. The GOJ is also eager to use aid programs to promote the free and open Indo-Pacific initiative. Financial assistance was offered to the Philippines to help it boost coast guard capabilities.