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Bougainville, which is currently part of Papua New Guinea, voted overwhelmingly for independence in 2019, but the poll wasn't binding. Now a local leader says he is open to a deal for it to become part of the United States.  Given the island's strategic significance in any future war with China, it could be well worth its weight! Bougainville's president, former rebel commander Ishmael Toroama, says: 'If the US comes and says, "Yes, we support Bougainville independence," then, I can say, "Well, the Panguna mine is here. It's up to you."'https://mol.im/a/14628017