David W. Panuelo

David W. Panuelo

David W. Panuelo (13 April 1964) is a Micronesian politician currently serves as the 9th and current President of the Federated States of Micronesia since 11 May 2019.

Quotes

• 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.
  • David W. Panuelo (2021) cited in: "Pacific island swears in its first female PM in a tent after she is locked out of Parliament" in CNN, 25 May 2021.

• 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.
  • David W. Panuelo (2023) cited in: "Micronesia’s President Writes Bombshell Letter on China’s ‘Political Warfare’" in The Diplomat, 10 March 2023.

• To be clear: I have had direct threats against my personal safety from PRC officials acting in an official capacity.
  • David W. Panuelo (2023) cited in: "Micronesia's outgoing president calls to cut ties with China, recognize Taiwan" in Radio Free Asia, 10 March 2023.

• 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.
  • David W. Panuelo (2023) cited in: "Micronesian president suggests severing diplomatic ties with China in favour of Taiwan due to 'political warfare'" in ABC News, 10 March 2023.