Rubio announces $2.5 bln US strategic investment in Southeast Asia

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that the United States will make a $2.5 billion strategic investment in Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in the Philippines, Rubio said the investment demonstrates that US engagement with ASEAN extends beyond rhetoric.

“The United States’ commitment to ASEAN is not limited to words - it is backed by concrete action. We are investing because ASEAN’s success is in the interests of the United States. This is not charity; it is in our national interest,” Rubio said.

According to Rubio, the investment forms part of a broader US strategy to deepen cooperation with Southeast Asian partners by using “every tool” available to the US Government to strengthen bilateral and regional relationships.

He also announced that the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has approved an additional $1.5 billion in strategic investments to support aviation infrastructure, energy security and secure supply chains across the region.

Rubio said the United States would continue to engage with major global powers despite areas of disagreement, but stressed that such engagement would never come at the expense of US allies, partners or national interests.

“The future of the 21st century will be shaped in this region,” Rubio said, adding that the security and prosperity of the United States and Southeast Asia are closely interconnected.