Summary
Today, the Pacific Islands are a core, if little-known, component of America’s Indo–Pacific strategy. As China’s military capabilities grow to match Chinese ambitions, the region will only become more contested, and take on greater strategic importance for both the U.S. and China. Congress should not let this once-every-two-decades opportunity to renew and fund the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) slip away. The U.S. can advance its Indo–Pacific interests, reaffirm its commitment to Pacific Island allies, mitigate China’s attempts to expand its influence, and tilt the regional balance of power in its favor—all for an affordable price tag.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. has Compacts of Free Association (COFA) with Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau, which play a vital role in resisting Chinese expansion.
Failing to renew and fund the COFA agreements risks the loss of exclusive U.S. military access to these three states, allowing Chinese expansion in the Indo–Pacific.
Congress must not let this once-every-two-decades opportunity to renew and fund the COFA agreements slip away—the Compacts are vital to U.S. security.
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