Fiji, Sept. 25 -- The United States has announced more than US$55 million in new maritime law enforcement funding for countries in the Indo-Pacific, as part of its broader push to counter illicit activities and challenge China's unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea.

"Maritime security is vital to advancing U.S interests in the Indo-Pacific," the State Department said in a fact sheet released on 23 September.

"Capital flows through these waters are critical to global peace and prosperity. Unlawful claims and destabilising actions put this at risk."

The new funding will support Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Pacific Islands, and South Asian maritime nations.

According to the Department, the investment wil...