non-NATO ally

The major non-NATO ally (MNNA) designation is a status given by the United States government to countries with strategic working relationships, granting military and financial advantages. The initial MNNAs were Australia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, and South Korea, designated in 1987. New Zealand was added in 1996, and Argentina was designated in 1998 for its contributions to international peace and security. Taiwan was required to be treated as an MNNA in 2003, and subsequently designated as a de facto MNNA by the Bush administration. Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore were also offered MNNA status, with Singapore accepting a Strategic Framework Agreement in 2005.learn more on wikipedia