US to give Philippines US$7.5mil to boost maritime patrol in South China Sea

US Vice-President Kamala Harris said the funding would help the Philippines better combat illegal fishing in its waters. - Reuters

MANILA (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): On board one of the Philippines’ biggest vessels patrolling the disputed South China Sea, United States Vice-President Kamala Harris on Tuesday (Nov 22) announced that Washington is allotting US$7.5 million to boost the capabilities of Manila’s maritime law enforcement agencies.

Harris said the funding would help the Philippines better combat illegal fishing, as well as enhance monitoring systems and upgrade equipment used in patrolling its waters, including parts of the South China Sea.