Think the US exit from Afghanistan was bad? Look what's brewing in the Pacific
Lose the Central Pacific and every nation counting on us will hedge their bets, which China will love
By Grant Newsham Fox News
Published February 14, 2024 5:00am EST | Updated February 14, 2024 5:09am EST
You think America’s tail-between-its-legs departure from Afghanistan was bad? Something even worse is coming in the Pacific, albeit more quietly.
U.S. defenses in the Asia-Pacific center on a defense line running from Japan to Philippines to Taiwan and on to Borneo. The so-called First Island Chain.
Try defending against China along the first island chain without a secure "rear area" in the Central Pacific. And suppose it’s the Chinese in the rear.
American control of the Central Pacific depends on three treaties – known as Compacts of Free Association (COFA) – with three nations: Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Marshall Islands. These nations and their huge maritime territory comprise most of an "east-west corridor" from Hawaii to the western edge of the Pacific that is essential for U.S. control and military operations in the region.
The COFAs give the United States the legal authority to operate freely and to keep other nations’ militaries out. In other words, military access and control.
As part of the agreements, the three nations receive financial and other support from the U.S., to include the right of citizens to reside and work in America. And one should never forget that COFA state citizens serve in the U.S. military at higher per-capita rates than almost all U.S. states.
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https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/think-us-exit-afghanistan-bad-look-whats-brewing-pacific
