Pacific Waves for 7 February 2023

The President of the Federated States of Micronesia has expressed his support of Japan's plans to release treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean; The authors of an annual report on power and influence in the Indo-Pacific say their data shows the hype around China's growing influence in the region is often overblown; A bill to introduce caning as a form of punishment is stirring public debate on Guam.Formally introduced to Guam's Senate on January 27th, the bill proposes judicial caning as punishment for people convicted of violent crimes.