Micronesian Leader Calls to Sever Ties With China, Citing Political Warfare and Direct Threats

David Panuelo of Federated States of Micronesia speaks during the Pacific Parliamentary and Political Leaders Forum at Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on April 18, 2013. Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

The Federated States of Micronesia’s (FSM’s) outgoing leader has proposed that his nation switch allegiances to Taiwan from Beijing as he accused Beijing of waging “political warfare” and making “direct threats” to his safety.

FSM President David Panuelo, whose term is ending in two months, exposed the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to his nation in a leaked 13-page letter addressed to the FSM Congress on March 9.