PALIKIR, Pohnpei — Today, November 10, 2026, Speaker Esmond B. Moses of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) welcomed Mr. David Fuller, Regional Policy Head at the U.S. Consulate General in Sydney, and Mr. Andrew Wylie, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia, for a formal courtesy visit in Palikir.
Following Speaker Moses’ warm welcome, discussions centered on regional stability in the Pacific, bilateral relations, and the broader geopolitical landscape involving the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Strategic Engagement and Regional Economic Dynamics Mr. Fuller outlined that a primary objective of his visit was to discuss maintaining a strategic, balanced relationship with China while avoiding economic conflict. He noted the United States’ recognition of the critical nature of rare earth mineral trade with China—particularly given recent supply chain pressures affecting certain U.S. Industries. Mr. Fuller highlighted that these trade priorities were a focal point of the Trump Administration’s engagement in South Korea in October 2025, where President Donald Trump held a direct bilateral summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan to address trade and supply chain bottlenecks rather than participating in the broader Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
Turning to the Pacific region, Mr. Fuller acknowledged China’s active presence in the FSM and expressed U.S. concerns regarding Beijing’s tendency to overshadow regional forums to advance its own strategic interests.
In response, Speaker Moses emphasized that the FSM values its longstanding, constructive relationships with both the United States and China. He reflected on the FSM’s path to nationhood, noting that during the nation’s pursuit of international recognition, China played a pivotal role in securing support—including Russia’s vote—for the FSM’s admission to the United Nations. Speaker Moses affirmed that the FSM has maintained a healthy relationship with China since that milestone. Chargé d’Affaires Wylie reiterated his strong, unwavering support for the FSM’s sovereignty.
Continuity in U.S.–FSM Relations Addressing potential shifts in the U.S. political landscape, Mr. Fuller assured Speaker Moses that recent electoral developments are not expected to hinder the current U.S. Administration’s strong partnership and ongoing commitments to the FSM.
Congressional Role in Foreign Affairs Mr. Fuller also inquired about the FSM Congress’s institutional approach to conducting foreign relations with external nations and international organizations. Speaker Moses explained that the Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs serves as the primary legislative body handling such matters. He added that while Congress has, on limited occasions, retained external legal counsel to represent its interests, it exercises strict
caution to respect constitutional boundaries and avoid overstepping the jurisdiction of the Executive Branch.
Speaker Moses concluded the meeting by thanking Mr. Fuller and Chargé d’Affaires Wylie for their visit, with both parties reaffirming their mutual commitment to continued dialogue and collaboration.
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