Guam’s legislature is set to debate a non-binding resolution to push for US statehood.
The US territory is listed by the UN for decolonisation, and last year became an associate member of the Pacific Islands Forum.
“It’s a non-binding document, so it simply tells Congress (US Federal) about Guam’s stance,” said Mar-Vic Cargurangan, the editor-in-chief of Pacific Island Times.
Guam senator William Parkinson introduced the proposal, citing concerns that China would “absorb” Guam.
“He said this resolution is prompted by the growing geopolitical tensions in the region and Guam is in the middle,” said Ms Cargurangan.
“Senator Parkinson fears that if a war happens, Guam will become a bargaining chip for these superpowers which was what happened during the US-Spanish war.”
