The U.S.-RMI relationship is fundamentally rooted in the Compact of Free Association (COFA), established in 1986. This treaty provides the RMI with exclusive access to U.S. defense sites, establishes a defense assistance program, and guarantees certain economic benefits, including access to the U.S. labor market. However, the Compact also carries provisions regarding defense cooperation, with the United States retaining the authority to deny access to the RMI’s territorial waters to third-country militaries. This exclusivity has become increasingly relevant as regional powers, notably China, expand their naval presence in the Pacific.
Recent Developments and Strategic Alignment
Over the past six months, the U.S. has implemented several key initiatives designed to reinforce its security posture in the RMI. The recently announced $13 million reconstruction of the Nitijela, the RMI’s parliament building, following a devastating fire, exemplifies this commitment. This rebuilding effort, coordinated with Taiwanese support, demonstrates a willingness to invest in the RMI’s institutional capacity, crucial for governance and stability.
Crucially, the establishment of State Partnership Program (SPP) pairings between the RMI and National Guard units from Guam and Nebraska represents a significant shift. These pairings, focused on cyber security, counter-narcotics operations, and maritime domain awareness, align directly with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s lines of effort and are intended to provide specialized training and capabilities to the RMI’s defense forces. According to a recent report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, “The integration of these U.S. National Guard units will substantially enhance the RMI’s capacity to monitor and respond to evolving security threats in the region.” (CSIS, Regional Security Dynamics in the Pacific, July 2025).
Border Security and Counter-Narcotics Efforts
The finalized Enhanced Shiprider Agreement, alongside increased port scanner deployment, directly addresses concerns about illegal fishing and smuggling within the RMI’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The agreement, coupled with interagency training, is a proactive measure aimed at combating IUU fishing, a significant threat to the RMI’s marine resources and economy. “The RMI’s vulnerability to illicit activities, combined with the broader regional trends of maritime security challenges, necessitate a coordinated international response,” stated Dr. Anya Sharma, a maritime security analyst at the Pacific Forum Institute, “and the Shiprider Agreement is a key component of this strategy.”
Legacy Issues and Unexploded Ordnance
The U.S. continues to address the enduring consequences of World War II through extensive unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance operations. Following successful UXO deployments to Maloelap, Wotje, and Jaluit Atolls, preparations are underway for operations on Mili Atoll, scheduled to commence in 2026. The funding allocated for these UXO training programs – a critical undertaking – highlights the U.S. commitment to mitigating long-term risks and ensuring the safety of RMI communities. “The legacy of WWII continues to pose significant hazards within the RMI,” commented Brigadier General David Miller, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Pacific District, “and the UXO clearance efforts are a testament to our long-standing responsibility to address this enduring challenge.”
Looking Ahead
Short-term outcomes are expected to include enhanced RMI defense capabilities, strengthened border security protocols, and measurable progress in UXO clearance. Long-term, the U.S. partnership is likely to solidify the RMI’s role as a key strategic partner within the Indo-Pacific, contributing to regional stability and supporting U.S. security interests. However, sustained engagement will require ongoing dialogue and a shared understanding of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, demanding proactive measures to safeguard maritime security and address historical legacies.