Micronesia takes on China

Micronesia's outgoing president accuses China of political warfare and offers to switch diplomatic recognition to Taiwan. Small Pacific island states can pick a way through great-power pressures.

March 17, 2023 . 6:37 AM

1 min read

Micronesia's outgoing president accuses China of political warfare and offers to switch diplomatic recognition to Taiwan.
China's methods of bribing and bullying politicians in small Pacific island states are described in detail.
Micronesia's response suggests that it has a strong hand in some issues and could negotiate development goodies.
The Pacific's tiny nations are not mere hapless victims of great-power rivalry, they can pick carefully among development and financial choices.
China might have to dip deeper into its pocket to keep Micronesia on its side.