The Trump administration has announced its plan to engage with the Indo-Pacific region in all areas by investing over one hundred million U.S. dollars in the region.
The initiative comes amid a trade spat between the U.S. and China over import tariffs,... and pundits say such investment could lead to possible power struggle between the two superpowers.
Kim Hyo-sun reports.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the Trump Administration's plan to invest over one hundred million U.S. dollars in the Indo-Pacific region.
Speaking at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Forum in Washington on Monday,... Pompeo said the initiative is part of President Trump's Indo-Pacific strategy of engaging more deeply with the region.

"So just as the United States made foundational contributions in the past, today I'm announcing $113 million in new U.S. 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."

He also stressed that the U.S. will never seek to dominate the region,... considering that it has also fought for independence just like many of its Asian allies and friends.
Such a remark is believed to be made in reference to Beijing amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea.
Pundits also say Washington's investment could be aimed at countering China's "Belt and Road Initiative,"... adding that the power struggle between the world's two superpowers could intensify in the region,... following their recent trade tensions over import tariffs.
The top U.S. diplomat added that he'll announce America's new security assistance plans for the region when he visits Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia this week.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.