The White House continues to take steps to deter expansion of the Chinese influence. The US Administration is aiming at strengthening its ties with the smaller Asia-Pacific countries to contain China in the region. In late March the US State Department appointed a senior advisor at the Asia Group and the Asia program at the US Institute of Peace Joseph Yun, who also served as US special envoy for North Korea and ambassador to Malaysia, to be Special Presidential Envoy for Compacts of Free Association (COFA) negotiations with the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. The COFAs will be up for renewal in 2023 and 2024. It should be noted that these agreements provide the US Armed Forces with access to the military infrastructure of the three countries in exchange for economic assistance.
The US State Department noted, that these agreements are vitally important. The renewal of COFAs is a major task because of their strategic value for the regional security and their contribution to keeping Indo-Pacific region free and open. It was mentioned that the presence of the US Armed Forces on archipelagos, that are part of the so-called “Second Island Chain” in the Pacific Ocean, is one of the vital factors of the American leadership in Asia-Pacific Region and of the functioning of key transport corridors through the East and South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Washington makes no secret that its policy is aimed at containing China’s abilities to demonstrate power in the region. Specialists familiar with the situation believe, that by doing so the White House is sending the message that the containment of China’s regional ambitions is still among the US foreign policy priorities. Political analysts also point out the geopolitical meaning of strengthening the US position in Oceania. The appointment of the veteran envoy with more than 30 years of diplomatic experience is designed to demonstrate its regional allies Washington’s determination to achieve progress at forthcoming consultations. At the same time a number of experts criticize the White House for its sluggishness and the lack of decisive actions in standoff with China. As if Washington has to demonstrate its readiness to take bold measures, otherwise Beijing won’t take it seriously.