With lawmakers continuing to wrangle over a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, little attention has been paid to the possible cutoff of support for three smaller allies: the Pacific nations of Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. Abandoning the US’s commitment to these countries could strengthen China and put US troops in the region in greater danger. Congress shouldn’t let that happen.

While small in size, the three island nations are critical to the US position in the Indo-Pacific. Bound by decades-old agreements known as the Compacts of Free Association, they allow US forces exclusive access to their territories, banning other militaries without explicit US permission. Their interlocking maritime domains cover a strategically vital stretch of the central Pacific, through which US warships would sail in order to respond to a regional crisis. An enemy that seized the area could isolate US forces in the region and cut off potential reinforcements.

QOSHE - Don’t Leave America’s Pacific Island Allies Stranded - The Editorial Board
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Don’t Leave America’s Pacific Island Allies Stranded

7 0
28.02.2024

With lawmakers continuing to wrangle over a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, little attention has been paid to the possible cutoff of support for three smaller allies: the Pacific nations of Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall........

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