“China’s Influence on the Freely Associated States of the Northern Pacific” was published September 2022 by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). Dr. Lori Forman contributed to this report as part of the USIP China-Freely Associated States Senior Study Group led by Admiral (Ret.) Philip Davidson.

This paper highlights some of the moves China is making in the Indo-Pacific region to ascertain more influence as well as provides an overview of the significance of US relations with the Freely Associated States (FAS). In addition, this report provides insight into the general political and economic climate of the Pacific Island region and suggestions on how to improve US relations with FAS to better defend the Indo-Pacific region from “China’s efforts to enhance its influence.”