The U . S . and the Pacific islands must aim for long-term solutions and organic policies not driven by fear of the bogeyman .
FROM THE PUBLISHER ’ S DESK
You snooze you lose
Pacific island leaders came with individual laundry lists of things for Washington to do to win their devotion during a rare field congressional hearing held by the U . S . House Committee on Natural Resources on Guam last month . On top of the list is federal dollars , the anchor of their symbiotic relationship .
And the U . S . is willing to give . After all , it is competing with China , which managed to expand its diplomatic footprint in the Pacific by splashing cash along with its Belt and Road Initiative .
The U . S . aims to outdo China . But first , the congressional delegation wanted to hear how badly China has been misbehaving .
Very bad , the island leaders told them . China launches cyberattacks , bribes politicians , interferes with domestic policy-making , engages in espionage through “ research vessels ,” exploits marine resources , and strong arms governments into ditching Taiwan .
China is a relentless leviathan . But no matter how repugnant it may be , there are governments that would embrace it — if the price is right . Pacific islands care less about ideology . They are independent thinkers who make pragmatic decisions . Hence the common theme of the island leaders ’ testimonies at the congressional hearing : “ Look away and the bogeyman will get us .”
“ Who should shape the rules of future trade in the Indo-Pacific ? If the U . S . does not engage actively , China will — writing a future that will never put Americans first ,” Gov . Lou Leon Guerrero said .
Guam , of course , can ’ t be overlooked . It is the tip of the military spear . But “ Volt Typhoon ” has had a dry run to see how China can operate under the radar .
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The U . S . and the Pacific islands must aim for long-term solutions and organic policies not driven by fear of the bogeyman .
“ In the Northern Marianas , during times of economic hardship and vulnerability , we too have turned to Chinese investment for solutions . Chinese investors were always conveniently there when we needed them , offering new industries and revenue sources ,” CNMI Gov . Arnold Palacios said .
“ Most private sector investment is from China . Some of our people , including some of our most important leaders , are tempted by its offers . They see China as the best opportunity for the private sector growth we want ,” Palau ’ s Finance Minister Kaleb Udui Jr . said .
“ The radioactive waste ( left behind by the U . S . after the nuclear tests ) remains a serious irritant in our relations that has the potential for being exploited by China ,” Marshall Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs Jack Ading said .
As for the FSM , Deputy Foreign Affairs Secretary Ricky Cantero didn ’ t have to say much about China . Former President David Panuelo had said it all in his iconic 13- page letter that detailed China ’ s nefarious activities in the Pacific nation .
The congressional delegation ought to know that these are not fantastic scenarios . The China challenge is real . As Gov . Palacios said , “ There is a strategic edge in all of the Chinese Communist Party ’ s activities . It destabilizes island communities and cuts against America ’ s influence and security in the region .”
The U . S . has come to this point , cramming after China fanned out its influence in the region . The Solomon Islands and Kiribati dumped Taiwan and built an alliance with China in 2019 . It happened when Washington wasn ’ t looking . The U . S embassy in Honiara was shut down in 1993 .
Last year , Honiara and Beijing quietly signed a security agreement that is suspected to have opened a portal for the Chinese forces ’ foray into the Pacific island region .
This year , the U . S . began opening embassies in the Solomons , Tonga and Vanuatu . Better late than never .
At the end of the congressional hearing , committee members left with a long list of demands from Pacific islands to process : Immediate COFA approval , COFA cost reimbursement , H2B visa cap exemption , funding for a new hospital , CNMI Covenant review , nuclear test compensation and so on and so forth .
But the U . S . and the Pacific islands must aim for long-term solutions and organic policies not driven by fear of the bogeyman .
“ The real challenge that emerges for the Pacific islands is a profound one ,” Dr . Transform Aqorau , legal adviser at the Marshall Island Marine Resources Authority , wrote in his op-ed piece titled “ The complex dance of diplomacy in the Pacific Islands ,” published by the Pacific Island News Association Service .
“ The question is not solely about how to respond to a singular decision by a major donor , but about how to chart a course toward economic independence ,” Aqorau said . “ It ’ s a journey that demands innovative solutions , robust domestic policies , and an unwavering commitment to self-determination .”
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