Illustrative image (Source: atimes)Hanoi (VNA) – The US Pacific Command will conduct a joint exercise with the navies from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to help the group strengthen surveillance capabilities.
US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter unveiled the plan during an informal meeting with ASEAN defense ministers in Hawaii on September 30.
ASEAN ministers agreed to set up an information sharing channel and hold talks on maritime security with the engagement of the US Navy and coast guard authorities in 2017.
Washington will invite ASEAN defense ministers to a US military base in Florida for talks in 2017 to beef up surveillance activities, Carter said.
He added that the US will further assist ASEAN countries in their efforts to safeguard water areas.
The US government will continue and even expand President Barack Obama’s 'rebalance' policy to the Asia-Pacific, he noted.
ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.-VNA
