April 19, 2024 | The Diplomat
The Trouble With Micronesia’s New China Policy
What does it mean for the FSM to tell China it opposes AUKUS and supports the Global Security Initiative?
April 19, 2024 | The Diplomat
The Trouble With Micronesia’s New China Policy
What does it mean for the FSM to tell China it opposes AUKUS and supports the Global Security Initiative?
Excerpt
Wesley Simina, the president of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), traveled to China during April 5-12 for a state visit, on the heels of a visit to the United States, where he exchanged notes on a 20-year renewal of key elements of the Compact of Free Association, an agreement that is the foundation of FSM-U.S. relations. While many in Washington might think that the renewal sorts out FSM-U.S. relations for the next two decades, a closer look at Simina’s China visit should give them pause.
Immediately prior to his visit China, Simina gave an interview to Mar-Vic Cagurangan at the Pacific Island Times, where he described his appreciation at the chance to play “peacemaker” between Washington and Beijing.
Richard Clark is a visiting adjunct fellow at FDD, focused on national security infrastructure in the U.S. Freely Associated States of the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.