Peter M. Christian

Peter Martin Christian Souissa (born October 16, 1947) served as the eighth President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) from May 11, 2015 to May 11, 2019. Christian was a founding member of FSM’s Congress and Speaker from May 2003 to May 2007.

Early Life & Political Foundations

Born in Pohnpei (then part of the Trust Territory, or TTPI), Christian attended Xavier High School before studies at the University of Hawaii and Honolulu Business College. He entered national politics in 1979 as a delegate to FSM’s first Congress. Over the decades he chaired key committees, notably the Resources & Development Committee, shaping fisheries, tourism, and infrastructure policy.

Presidency (2015-2019)

Domestic Vision & Compact Frustrations

Christian assumed office on May 11, 2015, pledging to build cohesion and economic resilience across FSM’s four states. In an interview in April 2016, he emphasized: “I preach two things — unity and taro patches… we need to keep our taro patches clean, healthy and productive… That and our reefs.” He warned against secession tendencies: “There is no possibility that the FSM will break up. Not within my administration.”

While affirming the value of the Compact of Free Association (COFA), Christian voiced frustration over U.S. delays in implementing key projects. He referred to the Compact as “a wonderful relationship,” but noted that FSM was not always receiving timely benefits. He urged early U.S. engagement ahead of COFA’s scheduled 2023 expiration.

FSM–China Engagement & State Visit

On March 27, 2017, Christian met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking the first official state-level dialogue between FSM and the PRC. During the visit Christian stated that “Micronesia highly appreciated the Belt and Road Initiative and was ready to actively participate in pragmatic cooperation on it.”

Under Christian’s leadership, FSM received major Chinese infrastructure aid, including construction of government statehouses, fiber-optic networks, sports centers, and residences for senior officials. While welcoming such assistance, Christian declined to bind FSM in formal “strategic partnership” language, preserving its neutrality and balanced posture between China and the United States.

Christian’s term concluded on May 11, 2019, after legislative defeat in the 2018 elections; he lost his seat to David W. Panuelo, who would go on to succeed him in the Presidency.