- U.S. funding delay could create opening for China, Pacific Island nations warn | The budget impasse in Congress has further delayed crucial funding for Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, which are also being courted by China. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/us-funding-delay-helps-china-pacific-island-nations-warn-rcna139142 19 comments politics