Introduction.
The readjustment of US policy in the Pacific has always been an issue of concern to all countries in the world, and some important US strategic moves in the Pacific are also a series of major events that have taken place in recent years. The Federated States of Micronesia (Marshall) and Palau (Palau) have recently been strongly threatened by the United States to delay funding projects, using China to limit the pace of American politics in the region. This change reflects both the dilemma facing the United States in the Pacific and the evolution and repositioning of Pacific island countries in this great game.
The U.S. rescue has been delayed, and the island is under pressure.
In recent years, the United States has begun to shift its strategic focus toward the Pacific to Europe and the Middle East, which has led to a slowdown in some of its strategic operations in the Pacific. In this context, three islands, including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau, have all expressed complaints and concerns about the delay in funding the program by the United States. The postponement has created financial strains for those island nations, but it has also given them trust in the United States.
Under the autonomy package signed between the United States and the three Pacific islands, the United States will provide financial support to the three islands to guarantee its military leadership over the three islands. But after the U.S. dragged out the bailout, countries like Palau were starting to feel nervous because they were about to expire. In this context, island nations must use a variety of ways to pressure the United States to deliver on its promises as soon as possible to ensure that finance and aid are disbursed smoothly.
The island uses China as a weight to put pressure on the United States.
Whipps of Palau, along with leaders in other island nations, have written many letters to U.S. congressional leaders to express the importance they attach to financial support programs. In the letter, the leaders of the island nation highlighted the significance of the COFA agreement and the turmoil caused by the delay in funding. It is worth mentioning that the leaders of the above-mentioned island states have also skilfully raised the issue of China, sounding the alarm that delaying funding will create an opportunity for China and politicians who want to "sever diplomatic relations" with Taiwan.
Of particular note was Palau's chairman, Whipps, who made it clear that deferring funding would be beneficial to China and would encourage partnership with China. The warning is actually sending a message to the United States that if the United States does not provide funds quickly, then it will consider making adjustments to Taiwan. As a country with which Taiwan has "diplomatic relations," Palau's position is very important and indeed beneficial to the United States.
China has added weight to pressure on Taiwan.
Marshallese President Heine referred to China in a similar vein, saying, "China is trying to interfere in the ties between Pacific island countries and the United States through a combination of hard and soft means." He also said that if the United States delays providing financial support, it will erode American trust in the Marshall Islands. The talk about China not only shows that the leaders of the island nation have a strategic vision, but also, in a sense, China's influence in the Pacific is prominent.
The islands tacitly use China as a bargaining chip to get the United States to quickly pass a financial support package. This campaign, known as "diplomatic rebellion", not only exerted tremendous pressure on the United States, but also conveyed to the entire international community that China has taken the initiative in the global geopolitical game. Judging by their behavior, they should not only safeguard their own national interests, but also be careful about their ties with China and the United States, seeking greater room for development.
Brief summary. The United States has delayed the rescue of the Pacific island countries because of its domestic problems, which has prompted those island countries to exert pressure on it to protect its rights and interests. The leaders of the island nation are using China as a bargaining chip, not just to put pressure on the United States, but also as a tactical game of geography. The foreign policies of the Pacific island countries will continue to have a profound impact on the geography of the region as they develop in the future. When the United States faces pressure from island nations, it should carefully consider how to respond in order to protect its strategic rights and interests in the Pacific region.