FAS leaders urge U.S. Senate to pass compacts, warn of China influence

The Presidents of Palau, the FSM, and Marshalls have sent a letter to U.S. Senate leaders urging immediate passage of the Compacts of Free Association, and the funding that's been promised.

The Presidents wrote that the provisions are vital to their nations and also to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

They said the delay has “generated uncertainty among our peoples...and as much as they identify with and appreciate the United states which formerly governed our islands, this has resulted in undesirable opportunities for economic exploitation by competitive political actors active in the Pacific.”

Their reference of course is to China.

They closed by saying they're pleased with the bipartisan efforts to date, but cannot overstate the importance to all of our nations of final approval by the U.S. Congress.