BLUF

Congressional delay in approving COFA (Compacts of Free Association) renewals with Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands jeopardises critical elements of the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" strategy.

Summary

  1. Negotiations concluded May 2023 for the COFA’s .
  2. U.S. gains extensive defence access.
  3. China is trying to influence Palau through tourists.
  4. One senior Chinese official said “You take Hawai’i east. We’ll take Hawai’i west.”
READ: US Congress’ COFA Delay Jeopardizes a Key Element of the ’Free and Open Indo-Pacific’

References