Coast Guard Bolsters Maritime Law Enforcement Amid Escalating China Competition

The United States has signed an agreement with Palau that allows American ships to enforce maritime regulations in Palau's exclusive economic zone, without a Palauan officer present. The move comes as both the US and China seek to expand their influence in the Pacific, and follows pleas from Palau's president for US assistance in deterring China's "unwanted activities" in its coastal waters. The agreement aims to help Palau monitor its exclusive economic zone, combat illegal fishing, and deter uninvited vessels. Tensions have been rising in the Asia-Pacific region as China asserts its maritime claims and the US and its allies push back.