The three republics include over 1,000 islands and atolls covering a maritime area larger than the continental U.S.
China would like to put its forces in new ports and bases in these countries, which could "block American shipping and aircraft, civilian and military, from crossing that body of water," notes Chang.
It would also put Hawaii and American territories within striking distance of Beijing.
All three have "Compacts of Free Association" with the U.S., making them "almost integral parts of the United States," Chang writes.
But Congress has not funded America's obligations contained in renewed compacts with these countries.
China is lobbying the three states to ditch the U.S., arguing that "a dysfunctional Washington has become an unreliable partner."
"'China wants all three compact states to exit the agreements. Beijing wants the islands to host Chinese embassies that will essentially function as forward operating bases," an expert tells Chang.
Beijing is promising to "fill every hotel room" with Chinese tourists and to build call centers and casinos in these countries.
"China is turning the Pacific into its preserve, one casino and island group at a time," Chang concludes. "And Congress, by not meeting America's financial obligations, is content to let the Chinese regime turn America's most loyal allies against America."
Read the op-ed at TheHill.com.
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