Japan to donate ships, drones to Malaysia under security assistance program

Move is part of Tokyo's efforts to counter Chinese activity in South China Sea

Malaysian military personnel undergo training from Japanese counterparts in how to use drones that will be donated to the Southeast Asian nation as part of Tokyo's Official Security Assistance program © Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

AMY CHEW

September 15, 2025 12:21 JST

KUALA LUMPUR -- Japan will give rescue boats and surveillance drones to Malaysia's military in the next few weeks "to strengthen [its] maritime security capabilities" with an eye to the country's strategic location in the Straits of Malacca and South China Sea as Beijing becomes increasingly assertive in the disputed waters.