The traditional strategic denial concept envisioned to prevent military access to the Freely Associated States (FAS) by third countries is no longer sufficient in facing the challenge posed by China. To address modern geopolitical competition, the United States must reexamine the origins of strategic denial in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and adapt it for current challenges. This evolution requires shifting from a narrow focus on preventing military use of the FAS to a broader responsibility of preventing the establishment of malign influence and presence in Micronesia.
The U.S. views the Freely Associated States – Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) – as critical to its national security in the Indo-Pacific. Strategic denial, a key component of the U.S. defense rights and responsibilities in the FAS, has been insufficient in addressing the strategic competition with China.
Strategic denial originated from the need to prevent military bases on Pacific islands being used against the U.S. To protect its Pacific dominance at minimal cost post-World War II, the doctrine of strategic denial aimed to deny other states the ability to establish military bases in the region.
However, the interpretation of strategic denial has shifted over time, focusing more on denying other nations’ military access to the FAS. A revitalized concept would involve retooling strategic denial to encompass a broader responsibility to safeguard the sovereignties of FAS in partnership with the United States.
To effectively counter Chinese influence in the Pacific and maintain a free Indo-Pacific, the U.S. must modernize its strategic denial approach. While Japan aimed to establish military bases in Micronesia, China pursues political influence using various tactics. It is crucial to prevent Chinese influence from undermining U.S. security, especially in the FAS.
Revitalizing strategic denial involves combatting Chinese malign influence in all forms, including illegal fishing and corrupt activities in the FAS’ Exclusive Economic Zones. A more holistic approach to strategic denial is necessary to protect U.S. interests in the Pacific and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.