The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, announcing $55 million in new funding to help regional partners strengthen law enforcement at sea, counter illicit activities, and safeguard freedom of navigation.
The announcement came during a ministerial meeting on maritime security convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on September 24, co-hosted with counterparts from Australia, Estonia, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Romania, the United Kingdom, and others.
More than 35 countries joined the discussions.
The high-level dialogue focused on upholding international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), defending the freedoms of navigation and overflight, and protecting shared maritime interests.
Participants also exchanged views on threats facing shipping lanes and critical undersea infrastructure.
Secretary Rubio underscored the urgency of collective action to keep global trade routes open, singling out the South China Sea as a key area of concern. He cited the expansive and unlawful maritime claims of China and the destabilizing ways it enforces them, warning that trillions of dollars in annual trade could be at risk.
The ministerial demonstrates the growing diplomatic coalition of countries which share the United States’ interest in strengthening maritime security and preserving vital high seas freedoms from which all nations benefit, according to the media note from the US Secretary of State.
The newly announced $55 million package will support the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pacific Island nations, and South Asian maritime states. The funds will go toward boosting patrol capabilities, countering illicit fishing, and improving interdiction against maritime trafficking.
Since 2017, Washington has poured over $1.5 billion into maritime security initiatives across the Indo-Pacific. The State Department stressed that these efforts are central to ensuring peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the world’s oceans.
By reinforcing cooperation, officials said, countries can better respond to shared challenges and ensure that the sea remains a secure and stable domain for all.