US gives...

receive a record $79 million in bilateral assistance of the fiscal year 2015 funds allocated for developing Southeast Asian maritime capabilities,” it added.

White House said the assistance is largely focused on building the training and logistical base for expanding the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Forces’ ability to conduct operations within waters off the country’s coasts.

“We are assisting with naval maintenance capacity building as well as providing interdiction vessels, naval fleet upgrades, communications equipment, and aircraft procurement,” the statement said.

Likewise, White House said it intends to grant the high-endurance US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Boutwell to the Philippine Navy, the third ship of its class that it has provided in the past few years.

“This will provide the Philippines the ability to maintain greater maritime presence and patrols throughout its exclusive economic zone. We are also in the process of transferring the research vessel R/V Melville to support naval research and law enforcement capabilities,” it added.

The US, meanwhile, vowed to continue to support the National Coast Watch System and assist the Philippines through the Global Security Contingency Fund (GSCF), and build capacity in Philippine maritime vessel maintenance, training, law enforcement support, and intelligence assistance.

“We will hold increased and more complex exercises and training with US government agencies and US Pacific Command to increase interoperability and professionalization,” White House said.

“We will continue assisting improvements in security at ports to prevent illegal activity and illegal shipments,” it added.

Meanwhile, White House claimed that the US presence in the Asia Pacific for 70 years has been the foundation of regional peace, stability, and security in the region.

“Our presence has supported the stability and openness necessary for the unimpeded flow of resources and trade across Asia’s waterways that has been critical to its unprecedented economic success,” White House said.

“In the current environment, we are enabling our allies and partners to modernize their maritime capabilities in order to address the evolving dynamics of the region,” it added.

Aside from the Philippines, The US is also expanding its maritime assistance to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

“The United States will remain engaged and committed to improving maritime security capabilities in Southeast Asia. We are working together with our allies and partners to develop the most effective mix of capabilities to provide credible maritime defenses and patrol capabilities,” White House said.

It added the US will consult with its allies and partners in Southeast Asia to ascertain their needs and requirements more effectively and to explore new opportunities for maritime collaboration.