; Whereas media reports revealed that Chinese scientists placed acoustic sensors in the Mariana Trench near Guam and near the island of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia, which could be used to monitor United States submarine activity in the region; Whereas planned casino resort developments by Chinese investors on the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands could complicate Department of Defense plans on the islands for extensive training and exercises resulting from the relocation of Marines from Okinawa, Japan; Whereas a bilateral agreement between the United States and Japan will relocate approximately 4,100 United States Marines from Okinawa, Japan to Guam, significantly bolstering United States national security in the region; Whereas official Chinese Government statements and policy documents indicate that the Pacific Islands are a component of the Belt and Road Initiative, which according to the Department of Defense aims to develop strong economic ties with other countries, shape their interests to align with China’s, and deter confrontation or criticism of China’s approach to sensitive issues ; Whereas the Lowy Institute found that China has pledged $5.88 billion worth of aid to the region since 2011, yet despite these large commitments, China has only spent $1.26 billion so far and concerns remain over the types of loans extended and whether the commitments will be kept; Whereas recent debt sustainability analysis by the World Bank shows that nine Pacific Islands countries and territories are currently classified as either at high or moderate risk of debt distress; Whereas China continues to shrink the number of Taiwan’s international partners around the globe by inducing countries to switch recognition through financial incentives and six of Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies in the Pacific Islands region advocate on Taiwan’s behalf at the United Nations and other international fora