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| Southeast Asia |
| WH offers SE Asian allies military aid as tension with China rise |
| 2015-11-18 |
| Just in case you were wondering where the Oval Office's priorities were: US President Barack Obama on Tuesday offered the Philippines a warship as part of a $250-million aid package to Southeast Asian allies worried about Chinese efforts to control the South China Sea. Obama made the pledges aboard the Philippine Navy's flagship, shortly after arriving in Manila for a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders to also be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The offers were aimed at reassuring allies that the United States was committed to maintaining security in the region's waters, following Chinese artificial island building in parts of the South China Sea. China was almost certain to react angrily to Obama's announcement, as it insists the United States has no right to involve itself in disputes over waters that are far away from US coasts. China had also repeatedly called for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which starts on Wednesday, to focus exclusively on trade and not be distracted by the rows. The Philippines, which has one of the weakest militaries in Asia and is the most vocal critic of China's actions in the sea, will receive the most support under the US package. Obama said the Philippines would get a decommissioned US Coast Guard cutter to be turned into a new warship that will "bolster the navy's ability to conduct long-endurance patrols". He said the Philippines would also get a research vessel to help map its territorial waters, while vowing US commitment to defend its longtime ally was "ironclad". The Philippines will receive a record $79 million in assistance to bolster maritime security this financial year, the biggest recipient in Southeast Asia, the White House said. Vietnam, a former US enemy that has also spoken out strongly against China's regional assertiveness, will get $40.1 million in aid over this financial year and next, according to a White House statement. Indonesia, which is not a claimant but has asked China to clarify its position in the sea, will get nearly $20 million to help "protect its maritime areas". Malaysia, where Obama will travel to on Friday for another regional political summit, will receive $2.5 million worth of maritime security aid. The Philippines and Vietnam also signed on Tuesday in Manila a strategic partnership to deepen security ties, cementing an alliance built partly on their concerns over China. |
| Posted by:Pappy |
| #1 Translation: "You guys are on your own. If China makes a move, I certainly won't stand in their way." |
| Posted by: ed in texas 2015-11-18 08:08 |