MANILA, Philippines (AP) — President Barack Obama says the U.S. will transfer two ships to the Philippine Navy as part of an effort to boost maritime security in the Southeast Asian nation.
Obama says the U.S. will transfer a research vessel to help navigate territorial waters and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter. He announced the transfer Tuesday after touring the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a Philippine Navy warship once owned by the U.S. and now considered one of the most advanced in Southeast Asia.
Obama says the U.S. has an “ironclad” commitment to security in the Philippines.
The U.S. has tried to boost security ties with the Philippines in a bid to check China’s territorial ambitions in disputed waters of the South China Sea.
Obama is in Manila attending the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation group.
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