The Trouble with Micronesia’s New China Policy

Clark, Richard (2024-04-19). The Trouble with Micronesia’s New China Policy.

• Has attachment: File:ERXXP22V.pdf

Abstract: 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.

Simina’s trip to China overlapped with visits by Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Thailand’s Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, and Taiwan’s former President Ma Ying-jeou, representing the opposition Kuomintang party. Despite the busy diplomatic schedule in Beijing, Simina was given the red-carpet treatment...