The United States said on Friday it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Federated States of Micronesia, reflecting a shared understanding of future US aid to the Pacific island nation. That Washington is eager to stay out of China’s orbit.
The State Department’s announcement means Washington has now signed a memorandum of understanding with the three key Pacific island nations for future assistance as it negotiates a renewal of a cooperation agreement that would allow the U.S. It has access to large parts of the Pacific Ocean.
Washington said it signed memoranda of understanding with the Marshall Islands and Palau last month and agreed on the terms of US economic aid, but Washington did not provide details.
Micronesia did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Friday’s statement said the latest MoU “reaffirms our close and ongoing partnership and reflects our shared understanding of the levels and types of future US assistance requested for the Federated States of Micronesia.” Is.”
“The Memorandum of Understanding was signed as part of the ongoing Compact of Free Association negotiations and reaffirms our shared vision for a strong and sustainable partnership that benefits both nations and the entire world,” the statement said. will continue to benefit the Pacific region”.
The US move comes at a time when Washington and its allies are concerned about China’s military ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA), first agreed in the 1980s, Washington retains responsibility for the defense of the three island nations while providing them with economic support.
COFA provisions will expire in 2023 for the Marshall Islands and FSM, and in 2024 for Palau. Although the island nations still enjoy close ties with Washington, critics have warned that the failure to finalize economic aid could encourage them to shift funding to China or increase trade and tourism. can.