Kerry, who arrived on Saturday on a trip aimed at shoring up ties with Southeast Asia, said the US would provide US$32.5 million to help regional nations including Vietnam patrol "territorial waters".
"Peace and stability in the South China Sea is a top priority for us," Kerry said, adding that "no region can be secure in the absence of effective law enforcement in territorial waters".
Speaking to reporters in Hanoi alongside Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, the one-time presidential hopeful said his government's support would include training and new fast patrol vessels for coastguards.
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