Manny Mori

Emanuel Manny Mori (born December 25, 1949) is a Micronesian politician who served as the seventh President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) from 2007 to 2015. Recognized for his advocacy on climate change and education, Mori played a pivotal role in deepening FSM’s engagement with the People’s Republic of China.

Mori was preceeded in the presidency by Joseph J. Urusemal and succeeded by Peter M. Christian.

Early Life and Education

Manny Mori was born on Fefan Island in Chuuk State, then part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI). He attended Xavier High School and later graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Guam in 1973. While a student, Mori worked his way up from janitor to supervisor, an experience he credited for shaping his ethos of service and perseverance. Manny Mori is the great-grandson of Koben Mori, a Japanese settler in Chuuk. Mori married to Elina Ekiek (deceased), with whom he had four daughters. He later married Emma Mori.

Career in Finance and Public Administration

Before entering politics, Mori held positions in finance and development: an Assistant Manager at Citicorp Credit in Guam and Saipan (1974); an Assistant Administrator at the Trust Territory Social Security Office (1976); a National Revenue Officer for Chuuk State (1979); the President & CEO of the FSM Development Bank (1983–1997); and the Executive Vice President at the Bank of FSM (1997–1999).

Entry into Politics

Mori entered politics in 1999 as Chuuk State’s at-large representative in the FSM Congress. He served on and chaired multiple committees, including Judiciary, Health, and Ways & Means. In 2003, he briefly left Congress to serve as General Manager of the Chuuk Public Utilities Corporation, where he helped restore 24-hour power to the state capital, Weno.

Presidency (2007–2015)

First Term (2007–2011)

Elected President by Congress on May 11, 2007, Mori made climate change a centerpiece of his foreign policy. He addressed the UN General Assembly in 2007 and 2009, drawing global attention to sea-level rise and WWII-era environmental threats in Chuuk Lagoon. His first term saw institutional reforms and proclamations such as the declaration of “Law Day” in FSM.

Second Term (2011–2015)

Re-elected by Congress in 2011, Mori continued to advocate climate action and education. Under his leadership, compulsory education enrollment rose from approximately 78% to 99%. In 2014, he received an honorary doctorate from Sophia University in Japan, recognizing his work in public service and education.

Engagement with the People’s Republic of China

Mori’s presidency marked a significant deepening of FSM–China relations. He attempted to "balance" the FSM’s longstanding Compact of Free Association with the U.S. against a rising tide of Chinese diplomatic and economic engagement in the Pacific.

Throughout his presidency, Mori affirmed FSM’s support for the One-China principle.

In a landmark meeting in 2014, during a multilateral summit in Fiji, Mori and Chinese President Xi Jinping elevated bilateral relations to a “strategic partnership.” This marked the first-ever meeting between the heads of state of FSM and China.

Mori also visited Shenzhen, praising its development and signaling FSM’s openness to Chinese investment in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and energy.

Major Agreements & Projects

During Mori’s tenure, numerous bilateral agreements were signed, including: an Airworthiness Cooperation Agreement, a $10 Million Economic and Technical Cooperation MOU for Infrastructure in Mori's home state of Chuuk, and an FSM Telecom–ZTE Collaboration

These deals were paired with public statements emphasizing “mutual respect, common development, and friendship.”

China-Funded Development Projects

Mori facilitated and welcomed substantial Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, including: Chuuk State Government Complex ($10M grant completed in 2019); Pohnpei Road Improvement($10M+ in grants for road upgrades); FSM–China Friendship Sports Center (Gymnasium and stadium infrastructure); WCPFC Headquarters in Pohnpei; Government Residences; Housing for national leaders; Pilot Farm & Giant Clam Project (Kosrae) Agricultural & aquaculture models; and the renovation of Kosrae High School, admin buildings

Mori’s administration viewed China as a "necessary" development partner in light of limitations in U.S. funding. He later revealed that U.S. responsiveness to FSM’s infrastructure needs often increased only after visible Chinese engagement. Nevertheless, Mori has insisted he maintained a "careful balance"—welcoming Chinese aid while reaffirming FSM’s ties with Washington and sovereignty over strategic decisions.

According to the U.S. Institute of Peace and interviews with Mori, he regarded China’s expanding presence in Micronesia as a "manageable opportunity," provided it remained transparent and consistent with FSM’s long-term interests.

Engagement with the United States

During his presidency from 2007 to 2015, Emanuel “Manny” Mori consistently described the Compact of Free Association (COFA) as the bedrock of FSM–U.S. relations. “The Compact is more than a funding agreement,” he stated. “It reflects the bond between our nations and our shared values in freedom, democracy, and development.” He regularly emphasized the benefits Micronesians received from this relationship, including visa-free migration, access to U.S. federal programs, and defense guarantees. Mori described the United States as FSM’s “closest ally” and affirmed alignment on core international and security issues.

At the same time, Mori expressed frustration with U.S. reluctance or slowness in addressing key development needs, particularly in infrastructure. “We had major needs—power, ports, roads—but often heard, ‘It’s not possible this year,’” he recalled. He noted that U.S. engagement often became more responsive only after China stepped in. “It was only after China helped with telecom and airport projects that Washington started paying attention,” he said. While welcoming Chinese support, Mori insisted it was driven by necessity, not ideology: “We remain aligned with America, but we must also be practical.” He claimed to view FSM’s foreign policy as rooted in sovereignty, not great-power rivalry.

Mori also called for deeper U.S. engagement beyond aid, emphasizing the enduring people-to-people ties between Micronesians and Americans. “Micronesians serve in the U.S. military, study in U.S. schools, and live in American communities. That relationship must be honored—not just with words, but with meaningful support,” he said. On the global stage, particularly on climate issues, he challenged the United States to act with urgency. “If the U.S. wants to lead, then lead,” he declared. “Show it in the Pacific—where the oceans are rising, and where your friends are watching.”