The Federated States of Micronesia, with a population of about 113,000 people, seems to be moving closer to signing a new compact with the U.S. that will allow increased U.S. military presence in the island state in return for more financial and economic aid from the U.S.
“Of paramount importance is that our nation’s citizenry be informed in advance when U.S. fighter jets fly over the State of Yap, for example, or when the U.S. practice firing anti-aircraft missiles from the ground,” FSM President David Panuelo said in a state of the nation address delivered on Jan. 13 before the FSM Congress, reported the Pacific Island Times. Panuelo advised the FSM citizens to also expect more training exercises in and around the nation’s ocean. “These exercises will be increasing in frequency over the next several years….”
The compact reportedly grants the United States “strategic denial"—the option to deny foreign militaries access to the freely associated nation and provide for U.S. defense sites. Panuelo said the amplified military activities in Yap will require the expansion of the state ports and increased presence from the U.S. Navy Seabees.
