YAP, Federated States of Micronesia – Officials from the People’s Republic of China, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and Yap State broke ground Tuesday on a project to reconstruct an airstrip in Woleai Atoll, a remote island group in Yap.
The project, backed by China, will rebuild a former Japanese-built airport to improve access for Woleai residents, who currently face days-long boat journeys to reach mainland Yap. Woleai, comprising 22 atolls, lies about 423 miles southeast of Yap and 418 miles south of Guam.
FSM President Wesley Simina and local Yap leaders attended the ceremony.
The groundbreaking comes amid heightened regional competition between China and the United States for influence in the Pacific. Last year, reports indicated that the U.S. Air Force requested $400 million from Congress to expand Yap’s existing airport into a contingency airfield.
The FSM maintains diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China, while Palau and the Marshall Islands, which also have Compacts of Free Association with the United States, recognize Taiwan. (By: L.N. Reklai)