The US has promised to give $259 million to its allies in southeastern Asia in order to improve their maritime security, AFP reports. President Barack Obama pledged the money to the Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam shortly after he landed in Manila for the Asia-Pacific leaders' summit.
The money will be divided into two parts: $119 million this financial year, and another $140 million 12 months later. The Philippines will receive the most, $79 million and a gifted Coast Guard cutter.
"We are increasing the maritime security capacity of our allies and partners to respond to threats in waters off their coasts and to provide maritime security more broadly across the region," said the White House.