To be clear: I have had direct threats against my personal safety from PRC officials acting in an official capacity. - David W. Panuelo

It is imperative that we show our friends (Samoa), especially during their darkest hours, that we stand with them. Recent weeks have been very troubling for the Samoan People, who have been witnessing what is arguably a constitutional and political crisis.

The FSM (Federated States of Micronesia) has a key role to play in either the prevention of such a conflict (war between Mainland China and Taiwan), or participation in allowing it to occur. It is on this basis that Political Warfare and Grey Zone activity occur within our borders; (mainland) China is seeking to ensure that, in the event of a war in our Blue Pacific Continent between themselves and Taiwan, that the FSM is, at best, aligned with the PRC instead of the United States and, at worst, that the FSM chooses to 'abstain' altogether.

We can play an essential role in preventing a war in our region; we can save the lives of our own Micronesian citizens; we can strengthen our sovereignty and independence. And we can do it while having our country at large benefit financially.