SYDNEY, March 4, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Voting started Tuesday to pick a new congress in remote Micronesia, a small Pacific nation reinforcing ties with the United States even as neighbours drift closer to China.

The Federated States of Micronesia, a scattered republic of volcanic isles and coral atolls, has for decades been one of Washington's most steadfast Pacific allies.

The nation of some 100,000 residents will on Tuesday vote to choose 10 members of congress who serve two-year terms, Micronesia's electoral office said.

The president is chosen from among four more who serve four-year terms and so do not face re-election until 2027.

Incumbent President Wesley Simina last year signed a 20-year economic and security deal that will see the United States pump $3.3 billion into Micronesia over the next 20 years.

He described the signing at the time as "an important milestone" which "opens a new chapter in our enduring partnership with the United States".

Micronesia straddles a major maritime crossroads southeast of Guam.

The US Air Force last year embarked on a $400 million plan to upgrade the runway on the largest island of Yap so it can host larger military aircraft.

Pacific nations Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Nauru have in recent years broken off diplomatic contact with Taiwan in favour of closer links to Beijing.

Solomon Islands inked a secretive security pact with Beijing in 2022, fuelling fears China may one day seek a greater military presence in the region.