Palau

Today the threat to U.S. interests posed by adversaries has become much more multi-faceted. The understanding of strategic denial must also evolve. 

Regional leaders probably criticized China more for its ICBM test than for anything else in recent years. The U.S. should take note.

Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands are the United States’ closest allies. And they’re essential for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Palau President Surangel Whipps says that “there was optimism and hope” when the Palau-U.S. compact agreement was signed. But concerns are mounting as funding stalls in the U.S. Congress.

The U.S. government concluded COFA renewal talks with Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands in 2023. Months later, Congress has yet to approve the funding.

Despite domestic political headwinds, Biden’s engagement at the second U.S.-Pacific Islands summit was welcomed, as were newly announced funds, initiatives and an expanding diplomatic footprint.

U.S. Coast Guard ships can now enforce regulations inside Palau's exclusive economic zone on behalf of the nation without a Palauan officer present.

The current COFA renegotiation processes will have a huge impact on peace in the Pacific.

The Compacts of Free Association (COFA) between the U.S. and the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau touch on nearly every U.S. national priority. So why are renegotiations stuck in limbo?

The Pacific Islands have not been overlooked by the White House, although the region’s democracies face challenges, too.

As the Biden administration confronts China’s growing assertiveness, the challenges confronting the smallest Pacific Islands should be front of mind.

A visit from Palau’s president also highlighted a milestone for Taiwan-U.S. relations.

In tow was the U.S. ambassador to Palau, John Hennessey-Niland, a further sign of Washington's support for Taiwan.

The diplomatic allies will open a travel bubble starting on April 1, potentially creating a framework for similar arrangements with other countries.

As the U.S. and its allies compete with China, the North Pacific is emerging as a key battleground.

A looming north-south split in the Pacific Islands Forum poses both challenges and opportunities to the rival superpowers.

Defense Secretary Esper's recent visits to Palau and Guam highlight the importance of the Second Island Chain to U.S. interests -- and China's growing influence there.

The island nation is an example of the battleground on which the United States and China are pursuing a "great power" competition for global influence.

With its eyes on China, the United States seeks to reaffirm its presence in the western Pacific.

Tsai Ing-wen vowed an investigation into Taiwan’s military, which lawmakers suspect failed to report COVID-19 cases on board a vessel returning from Palau.

The U.S. should look to establish hub and spoke base networks in the Marianas Islands, Palau, and eventually the Philippines. 

Japan's Ryukyu Islands and Palau are the most probable contenders for new U.S. intermediate-range missiles.

Palau has the potential to meaningfully participate in more subregional architectures and initiatives.

Over the next few years, the United States is expected to start renegotiating the terms of its Compacts of Free Association.