TOKYO -- The Japanese government hopes to simplify the procedures for providing logistical support to the armed forces of other countries, the latest in a series of steps to strengthen international cooperation.
Under current rules, the Self-Defense Forces can offer such support only to the militaries of nations that have signed an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement with Japan. The U.S. and Australia are the only two countries with which Japan has this arrangement, which needs to be approved by the Diet.
