The U.S. government aims to diminish Chinese influence in Southeast Asia with a partnership to aid five countries that traditionally ask Beijing for help, VOA reported.

The Mekong-U.S. Partnership, formed September 11, will provide Washington more influence in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam by offering aid for various projects ranging from COVID-19 relief to anti-drought measures.

U.S. officials hope the Southeast Asian partners will favour their assistance over China’s.