KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 — Japan will pledge to provide patrol boats to Malaysia at the Asean leaders summit later today in Laos, the Nikkei Asian Review reported today.

"Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will promise to give Malaysia patrol boats during Wednesday’s Leaders Summit between Japan and the Association of South-east Asian Nations in Laos,” the newspaper claimed.

The vessels previously used by Japan’s Coast Guard will be provided without cost and delivered to Malaysia during the first half of 2017, along with the necessary training and support.

According to news outlet, the move was prompted by Japan’s desire to limit the spread of China’s influence in the South China Sea, where the superpower is locked in territorial disputes with countries in the region.

Japan also agreed to provide the Philippines with two large patrol vessels on Tuesday.

China claims much of the South China Sea that is home to major shipping routes. Its patrol vessels are responsible for most of the territorial clashes in the region, according to a study by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.