Plan to counter People’s Republic of China influence and activities in the Freely Associated States

(a) Plan required (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy shall conduct a comprehensive analysis of PRC influence and activities in the Freely Associated States, and develop recommendations and a plan to counter such influence and activities. (2) Coordination In developing the plan required under paragraph (1), the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy shall coordinate, as appropriate, with— (A) the Secretary of State; (B) the Director of National Intelligence; (C) the Commander, United States Indo-Pacific Command; and (D) the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies. (3) Elements The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) An assessment of the scope, nature and objectives of PRC diplomatic, economic, military and intelligence activities in each of the Freely Associated States. (B) An identification of vulnerabilities within the FAS that the PRC has sought to exploit or may seek to exploit, including vulnerabilities related to economic development, governance and elite influence. (C) A description of recommended actions by the Department of Defense, in coordination with the Department of State, the Intelligence Community and other relevant Federal departments and agencies, to counter PRC influence and activities in the FAS. (D) An assessment of resources, authorities and personnel required to implement the plan. (E) A description of proposed engagement with FAS governments and other regional partners to strengthen United States relationships and build resilience against PRC influence operations. (b) Report (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report setting forth the analysis and plan required under subsection (c). (2) Form The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) The term Freely Associated States means the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. (2) The term Intelligence Community has the meaning given that term in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4)).