Free association is different than territorial status. Territories are subnational entities (like states), while free associated states are sovereign entities t

Free association is different than territorial status. Territories are subnational entities (like states), while free associated states are sovereign entities that share some sort of agreement. In the case of the Pacific Islands and the US, free association has to do with military protection and guaranteed sovereignty in exchange for shared military access. It oftentimes takes the place of vassalage or protectorate status, but with equal party station (either party can leave, if they see fit versus the more powerful entity enforcing the situation).