The Chuuk islands — a seemingly idyllic spot in the Pacific Ocean, northeast of Indonesia and north of Australia and Papua New Guinea — is one of the four states making up the Federated States of Micronesia, an island nation strategically aligned with the US.

Despite Micronesia's small population, (around 113,000 in 2024) the island chain allows for control of vast swathes of the Pacific. And its alliance with the US runs deep — Washington provides millions of dollars in assistance every year to help with administration, education and health care as well as meeting other critical needs.

But former Chuuk State attorney general Sabino Asor fears Micronesia is too reliant on America.

"I believe our present leaders have developed a culture of dependence, but that gives the US the power to tell us what to do," he told DW.

Asor has spent decades campaigning for Chuuk islands to separate from Micronesia and become an independent state, though he admits that the population is still very much divided on the issue.

In recent weeks, however, the debate seems to be getting more serious. With........

© Deutsche Welle