President Barack Obama said the US will transfer two ships to the Philippine Navy as part of an effort to boost maritime security in the Southeast Asian nation.
Obama said the US will transfer a research vessel to help navigate territorial waters and a US Coast Guard cutter.
He announced the transfer after touring the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a Philippine Navy warship once owned by the US, and now considered one of the most advanced in Southeast Asia.
Obama said the US has an "ironclad" commitment to security in the Philippines.
The announcement in front of the dramatic backdrop was a brief attempt to focus the world's attention on Obama's efforts to strengthen alliances in Southeast Asia, a key element of his seven-year campaign to increase US influence in the region. The US has tried to boost security ties with the Philippines in a bid to check China's territorial ambitions in disputed waters of the South China Sea.
A White House statement had earlier said that the US would provide US$259 million to its Southeast Asian allies for maritime security. Washington will commit US$119 million this financial year, with another US$140 million earmarked for the following 12 months.
Obama said the US will transfer a research vessel to help navigate territorial waters and a US Coast Guard cutter.
He announced the transfer after touring the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a Philippine Navy warship once owned by the US, and now considered one of the most advanced in Southeast Asia.
Obama said the US has an "ironclad" commitment to security in the Philippines.
The announcement in front of the dramatic backdrop was a brief attempt to focus the world's attention on Obama's efforts to strengthen alliances in Southeast Asia, a key element of his seven-year campaign to increase US influence in the region. The US has tried to boost security ties with the Philippines in a bid to check China's territorial ambitions in disputed waters of the South China Sea.
A White House statement had earlier said that the US would provide US$259 million to its Southeast Asian allies for maritime security. Washington will commit US$119 million this financial year, with another US$140 million earmarked for the following 12 months.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1224124-20151117.htm
