What responsibilities does the United States have under the Compact of Free Association with the Federated States of Micronesia?

Under the Compact of Free Association, the United States maintains specific obligations toward the Federated States of Micronesia while respecting the nation's internal self-government.123

The primary responsibilities of the United States include:

• Defense and Security: The United States remains responsible for the defense and external security of the Federated States of Micronesia.23
• Financial Assistance: The United States provides ongoing financial aid to the nation. This grant aid serves as the main source of government revenue, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total.234

These arrangements were established when the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands agreements were terminated in 1986, allowing the Federated States of Micronesia to become a sovereign, self-governing state. The original compact was renewed by mutual consent in 2003, with the updated terms coming into force in 2004.123