Ajit Karn
Micronesia’s president has accused China of “political warfare.”
Majuro: In an incendiary letter to his country’s lawmakers obtained by AFP on Friday, Micronesia’s president has accused China of extortion, harassment, and “political warfare.”
Simply stated, we are witnessing political warfare in our country, warned outgoing leader David Panuelo, citing allegations of Chinese espionage, coercion of government officials, and “direct threats” to his personal safety.
Panuelo had previously expressed concern over Beijing’s expanding influence in the South Pacific, most notably by opposing a security agreement that would enable Chinese troops to be deployed in the region.
But his letter went much further, warning the incoming government of an onslaught of threats that, in his estimation, threaten to reduce the sparsely populated island federation to the status of a vassal state.
He stated that China had “demonstrated an acute ability to undermine our sovereignty, denies our values, and uses our elected and senior officials for its own ends.”
Panuelo asserts that his own cabinet colleagues transmitted recordings of bilateral meetings directly to China, among the dramatic allegations.
“We are compensated for both complicity and silence. This is a weighty term, but it accurately describes the subject “he said.
“What else do you name it when an elected official receives a money envelope after a supper at the PRC embassy or after their inauguration?” He stated using the initials of the formal name of China, the People’s Republic of China.
In addition, he stated that he was followed by “two Chinese males” while attending a meeting in Fiji in July of last year.
One was subsequently identified as a “intelligence officer” with the Chinese military, according to Paneulo, who asserted that both individuals were embassy employees.
“To be explicit, I have received direct threats to my safety from PRC officials acting in an official capacity,” he said, adding that he had to change his phone number due to “incessant” calls from China’s ambassador attempting to convince him to take Chinese Covid-19 vaccines.
Panuelo also disclosed that he had been in talks with Taiwan’s foreign minister regarding an agreement that would enable his country to distance itself from Chinese funding and support, with Taiwan offering to foot the bill for significant projects that China currently finances.
Beijing promptly condemned the allegations, accusing Panuelo of “smears and accusations” that “do not correspond to the facts.”
China has always regarded all nations equally, regardless of size, according to Mao Ning, spokesperson for the foreign ministry.
“The Chinese side is always willing — based on the One China Principle — to uphold the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, and to advance friendly cooperation with Micronesia,” she added, referring to a principle by which countries that recognise Beijing do not have diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Fraud allegations
This week, Panuelo, 58, lost his quest for reelection, signalling the end of his four-year tenure as leader; his successor is expected to be elected by the congress in May.
Panuelo urged legislators to pass legislation protecting the nation from money laundering and fostering political integrity.
“Have you gotten a bribe from the People’s Republic of China? If you answered “no,” you belong to the minority “he said.
The Federated States of Micronesia, with a population of just over 100,000, is a close ally of the United States, maintaining strong connections to Washington more than three decades after obtaining independence.
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Washington and Beijing are competing for influence in the Pacific, as China seeks to expand its sway in this strategically vital region.
The Federated States of Micronesia straddles a significant maritime crossroads and is located southeast of Guam, which is home to a vast array of US military assets that could prove crucial in any conflict involving Taiwan.
