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FIRST ON FOX: The growing footprint of China in the Pacific Islands continues to raise concerns among analysts and policymakers. Experts warn that Beijing is methodically establishing a presence in regions perceived as crucial to U.S. national defense.
Rather than using military force, experts indicate that China is leveraging infrastructure projects, economic influence, and political relationships to secure access to strategically important areas throughout Micronesia. This region has long-standing security ties with the United States, underscoring its significance.
Fox News Digital has exclusive information about a China-backed runway on Yap Island, which is set to be inaugurated during a ceremony on February 9. The president of the Federated States of Micronesia is expected to attend alongside representatives from the Chinese firm overseeing the project.
Cleo Paskal, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defensive Democracy, is one of the leading experts monitoring these developments. She traveled to Micronesia to witness the situation firsthand, recounting her experience of sleeping on the deck of a Chinese-donated cargo ship to observe a groundbreaking ceremony for rehabilitating a World War II Imperial Japanese runway.
Paskal emphasized, “While it may not be a large runway, it symbolizes China’s entry into a strategically pertinent location.”
The runway is in Yap, an island chain that is vital for maritime and air routes between Hawaii, Guam, and East Asia. U.S. military strategists have historically deemed Yap one of the Pacific’s most critical sites.
Furthermore, Paskal noted that the same Chinese firm involved with the runway is also working on a significant infrastructure project for Yap: rebuilding a bridge on the main island.
She pointed out that this is occurring concurrently with significant U.S. defense commitments, as Secretary Hegseth recently announced a potential investment of $2 billion for defense infrastructure in Yap. However, Paskal clarified that this focus pertains mainly to the main island while leaving other islands underdeveloped.
“The narrative here is that the Department of War prioritizes the main island, yet there seems to be no comprehensive strategy for the other islands. Meanwhile, China exploits various entry points into the political and economic landscape to gain access to Yap,” she explained.
Paskal elaborated on the contrasting strategies of the two nations. She stated, “China’s approach encompasses not just physical infrastructure but also political warfare. In contrast, the U.S. seems fixated on a narrow focus of kinetic operations.”
Historically, the geography of the Pacific region has shaped American security strategies for generations. During World War II, the lagoon at Ulithi, part of the Yap island chain, served as the largest U.S. naval base, hosting countless warships preparing for campaigns against Japan.
Paskal pointed out that this historical context explains why the area remains a focal point of national security concerns today.
Under the Compact of Free Association, the United States retains exclusive defense rights in Micronesia, which includes the ability to refuse military access to other nations and establish military installations. These arrangements grant Micronesian citizens the right to reside and work in the United States and participate in the U.S. military. This framework creates such deep connections that Micronesia is effectively integrated into the U.S. domestic mail system.
The compacts were instituted after World War II to prevent the islands that were once under Japanese control from being used as launch sites for future attacks against the United States.
However, Paskal cautions that China is finding ways to bypass and potentially undermine these agreements. She states that U.S. officials frequently concentrate on visible infrastructure projects but often overlook the broader political efforts that facilitate Chinese access. This includes fostering relationships with national leaders and securing contracts through regional development initiatives.
Chinese firms are often willing to take financial losses in exchange for long-term strategic advantages, a fact that further complicates U.S. efforts.
The concerns are further amplified by shifting political dynamics within Micronesia itself. While states like Yap have historically resisted Chinese engagement, the national government has become increasingly aligned with Beijing in recent years.
David Panuelo, the former president of the Federated States of Micronesia, warned in a letter dated March 9, 2023, that China is involved in political warfare, including bribery and pressure tactics. Since then, he has been succeeded by a government perceived as more favorable toward China.
Responding to inquiries about China’s activities in Micronesia, a spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in Washington expressed ignorance regarding specifics but highlighted that China views Pacific Island Countries as partners in development, denying any geopolitical motives.
The spokesperson insisted that China respects the sovereignty of these nations, claiming that it has never interfered in their internal matters or attached political strings to its engagements.
However, Paskal contests this portrayal, citing China’s targeted efforts to influence the internal politics of several Pacific Island nations, notably within the context of recognizing Taiwan.
She highlights that the South Pacific should function as a venue for collaborative efforts rather than conflict, maintaining that China’s involvement does not seek to undermine any specific countries.
For U.S. security experts, the worries extend beyond individual projects like a runway or bridge. The gradual erosion of strategic influence in a region that has been crucial to U.S. defense mechanisms for over 80 years poses a profound threat.
Gordon Chang, a well-known China specialist, remarked, “We sacrificed many American lives in World War II to secure these islands from Japanese control. Now, we are allowing China to dominate them. This is unacceptable. We possess the power to halt this trend, and it’s imperative we act.”
He reiterated the critical role of the Compact states, labeling them as our closest military allies and urging the current administration to grasp the importance of these unfolding events. He implored Washington to take decisive actions to curb China’s encroachment in the Western Pacific.
Paskal concludes with a sobering observation: China’s strategic campaign in the Pacific is not founded on military might but rather on influence, access, strategic patience, and persistent presence.
Neither the White House nor the Department of War responded to inquiries regarding these critical developments.
