Map of EEZs in the Central Pacific showing significance of Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. (© Cleo Pascal.)

Japan Forward reports,

American control of the Central Pacific depends on three treaties with three nations: Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Marshall Islands. They are known as Compacts of Free Association (COFA). These nations and their huge maritime territory comprise most of an “east-west corridor” from Hawaii to the western edge of the Pacific. That corridor is essential for American control and military operations in the region.

And it looks like we may be blowing it due to lack of attention and a penny-wise pound-foolish legislature.

Please read the linked article above and do what you can to convey a sense of urgency in approving these treaties.

I don’t think these three small Pacific Island nations want to depend on China but if we lose our current close relationship, we may never get it back.

Related:

• “The Compacts of Free Association and the Role of the U.S. Coast Guard” –CSIS

• “CHINA IS FIGHTING THE THIRD OPIUM WAR WITH FISH” –CIMSEC

• A New Kind of Shiprider Agreement–Virtual / “U.S., Federated States of Micronesia sign expanded shiprider agreement”

• Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States

• A New Coast Guard Base In the Western Pacific?

• “Small Dots, Large Strategic Areas: US Interests in the South Pacific”

Thanks to Lee for bringing this to my attention.