The United States, Japan and Australia agreed to invest in infrastructure projects in the Indo-Pacific, the Australian government said Tuesday, a move that will be seen as a counter to China's rising influence in a region that stretches from the east coast of Africa to Hawaii.

"This trilateral partnership is in recognition that more support is needed to enhance peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region," Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Tuesday in an emailed statement. The pact will mobilize investment in energy, transportation, tourism and technology infrastructure, according to the statement, which didn't give any funding details.

The pact will be organized by the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corp., the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.