US strategizes in South Pacific while China promotes development

EARLIER this month, the US government named Joseph Yun, who served as US special envoy for North Korea under former US presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, to lead talks with three Pacific Island countries — the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Palau. The appointment is considered an important move by the Biden administration to strengthen relations with Pacific island countries to curb "China's expansion."

In a press statement on the same day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "The United States has a special and longstanding relationship" with the three countries — collectively known as the Freely Associated States (FAS). The Compacts of Free Association (COFA) with the FAS "reflect the close relationships between the United States and the FAS and are a critical source of regional security, stability, and prosperity. Through these negotiations, we will strengthen our enduring partnerships with our close Pacific Island partners and ensure a free and open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," the statement continued.