China’s Influence on the Freely Associated States

Final Report Launch from USIP Senior Study Group on China’s Influence on the Freely Associated States

The Freely Associated States (FAS) — comprised of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau — have exceptionally close relationships with the United States under the Compacts of Free Association. However, in the last decade, and especially the last five years, strategic competition between China and the United States has increased, and Beijing’s increasing engagement with the FAS is threatening U.S. interests both locally and in the broader Pacific region.

On September 20, USIP hosted a look at the final report from the USIP Senior Study Group on China’s Influence on the Freely Associated States — the fifth in a series. The study group’s co-chairs examined the report’s findings and discuss how Beijing’s growing presence in the region is affecting political, economic and security trends in the FAS. Additionally, the conversation looked at how policymakers can best utilize the report’s findings as the United States and the FAS negotiate changes to grant funding under the Compacts of Free Association in the coming months.

For more information on this event, please visit

Speakers:

Philip Davidson

Former Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; Co-Chair, USIP Senior Study Group

Robert Underwood

Former Delegate from Guam to the U.S. House of Representatives; Co-Chair, USIP Senior Study

Ambassador Joseph Yun

Special Presidential Envoy for Compact Negotiations, U.S. Department of State

Jennifer Staats, moderator

Director, East and Southeast Asia Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP