Think the US exit from Afghanistan was bad? Look what's brewing in the Pacific

U.S. control of the Central Pacific depends on three treaties that are being held up by $120 million a year in offsets. China will love it if we drop the ball.

Grant Newsham is a retired U.S. Marine officer and former U.S. diplomat. He is the author of the book "When China Attacks: A Warning To America." 

Try defending against China along the first island chain without a secure "rear area" in the Central Pacific. And suppose it’s the Chinese in the rear.

American control of the Central Pacific depends on three treaties – known as Compacts of Free Association (COFA) – with three nations: Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Marshall Islands. These nations and their huge maritime territory comprise most of an "east-west corridor" from Hawaii to the western edge of the Pacific that is essential for U.S. control and military operations in the region.