The sparsely populated nations, whose territories cover vast areas of the Pacific, have relations with the United States governed by so-called Compacts of Free Association. "The strategic location of these islands is integral to our national security, but the lack of direct security channels between our nations creates risk," she added. An Ernst aide said Palau had already established a national security council and the other COFA states were actively considering doing so. He noted that the U.S. has significant military installations on the islands, including high-powered radar on Palau and its main long-range missile testing site in the Marshall Islands. The councils would comprise members of respective COFA states and make use of Pentagon-approved communications equipment to prevent Chinese espionage and allow sharing of intelligence, he said.

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Persons: reconvenes, Leah Millis, Joni Ernst, Beijing's, Democrats Mazie Hirono, Tim Kaine, Chris Van Hollen, Ernst, Palau, Joni Ernst's, David Brunnstrom, Louise Heavens Organizations: U.S . Capitol, Republican, REUTERS, Defense, Marshall, Free Association, U.S, Reuters, Democrats, Pentagon, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, China, Palau, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, United States, Washington, Marshall, Pacific, U.S, Solomon Islands