US boosts military aid for region

US boosts military aid for region

WASHINGTON - The United States has announced a major increase in US funding for military education and training programmes in Southeast Asia.

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel made the announcement during a speech at the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security in Kuala Lumpur. He said the latest Pentagon budget includes $90 million for the programmes, an increase of more than 50 per cent compared to four years ago.

The decision comes as Washington is shifting its strategic focus increasingly toward the Asia-Pacific region. Hagel said the US administration is seeking to "rebalance" diplomatic, economic and security engagements with the Asia Pacific "to reflect Southeast Asia's emerging prominence and importance."

Beijing has expressed concern over America's growing interest in the region, viewing it as an attempt to encircle China and embolden its neighbors. China has unresolved disputes with several countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines, over portions of the South China Sea.

In his speech, Hagel stressed the importance of having emerging powers such as China and India participate in a new security architecture for the region.

He argued that security is a critical foundation for prosperity in Southeast Asia, saying trade "cannot flourish in waters that are contested by force."

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