[4] Though the US provides for Micronesia's defense and security, and provides "a substantial percentage of the FSM national and state governments’ budget expenditures" in the form of annual economic assistance, President Panuelo has been outspoken in his support for China.

[6][7] In March 2022 Panuelo characterized China, with its de facto one-party state status, "as paragon examples of peace, friendship, cooperation, and love in our common humanity.

Panuelo claimed such engagement would convince US citizens of how "the Chinese People are adept at demonstrating peace, friendship, cooperation, and love in our common humanity.

"[15] This "homeland" reference is based on the fact that "the United States has full authority and responsibility for defense and security matters in and relating to the FSM.

[22][23] President Panuelo himself traveled extensively during this period to and from the Federated States of Micronesia, including visits to Guam, Hawaii, Washington DC, Oregon, New York, and Fiji.

[32] President David Panuelo's chief economist, Robert Solomon, was arrested in late 2021 and charged with multiple counts of solicitation, sexual abuse, human trafficking, prostitution and kidnapping.

"[39] Then-Congressman Panuelo was serving as chair of the Resources and Development Committee, which holds oversight responsibilities for the FSM Department of Finance, where Solomon was formally based.

Once elected, President, Panuelo nominated Rob Solomon to serve as his Secretary for the Department of Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure.