United States has signed a new agreement with Palau, which gives American ships the authorisation to unilaterally enforce maritime regulations in the tiny Pacific Island nation’s exclusive economic zone.The agreement comes as both the U.S. and China are seeking to expand their influence in the Pacific, and follows pleas from Palau’s president for Washington’s help to deter Beijing’s “unwanted activities” in its coastal waters.
Where is Palau Located
- Palau (officially the Republic of Palau with capital Ngerulmud) is an island country in the Micronesia sub-region of Oceania in the western Pacific.
- The republic consists of approximately 340 islands and has a total area of 466 sq kms, making it one of the smallest countries in the world.
- Having voted in a referendum against joining the Federated States of Micronesia in 1978, the islands gained full sovereignty in 1994 under a Compact of Free Association with the United States.
- Politically, Palau is a presidential republic in free association with the United States, which provides defense, funding, and access to social services.
Role Played by the US in the Maritime Security of the Pacific Region
- The US is an Indo-Pacific power. The region stretches from the USA’s Pacific coastline to the Indian Ocean.
- The region is home to more than half of the world’s people, nearly two-thirds of the world’s economy, and 7 of the world’s largest militaries.
- The 2nd World War reminded the US that its country could only be secure if Asia was secure as well.
- So, in the post-war era, the US solidified its ties with the region, through ironclad treaty alliances with Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Philippines, and Thailand.
- This laid the foundation of security that allowed regional democracies to flourish through close trade and investment relationships with the US.
- The passage of time has underscored the strategic necessity of the US’ consistent role.
- At the end of the Cold War, the US considered but rejected the idea of withdrawing its military presence, understanding that the region held strategic value that would only grow in the 21st century.
- Since then, administrations in the US have shared a commitment to the region.
Maritime Security Agreement signed by US with Palau
- In the agreement, the US Coast Guard ships can enforce regulations inside Palau’s exclusive economic zone on behalf of the nation without a Palauan officer present.
- This agreement helps Palau monitorits exclusive economic zone, protect against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and deter uninvited vessels from conducting questionable maneuvers within its water.
- The partnership will help toward achieving the common goal of peace and prosperity in the region.