US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced a $113 million Indo-Pacific infrastructure investment programme, including $25 million to promote digital connectivity and cybersecurity, in order to deepen America’s engagement in the region.
Pompeo outlined the importance of the programme, which consists of three initiatives targeting digital connectivity, energy and infrastructure, in a statement to the press.
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The move follows the heated exchanges of the US-China trade war, caused by what the White House labels as “unfair” trade practices by Beijing, which has led to the US pushing forward with its $200 billion Chinese trade tariffs in September 2018.
Commenting on the new investment programme, Pompeo said: “It’s clear a big part of America’s international economic future is in this region.
“So, just as the United States made foundational contributions in the past, today I am announcing $113 million in new US initiatives to support foundational areas of the future: digital economy, energy, and infrastructure.
“These funds represent just a down payment on a new era in U.S. economic commitment to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The US will support communications infrastructure development through technical assistance and public-private partnerships; promote market-driven digital regulatory policies; and build partners’ cybersecurity capacity to address common threats.”
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