SYDNEY, April 10 – Palau will not abandon its diplomatic ties with Taiwan despite mounting pressure from China, the Pacific island nation’s president said on Thursday, vowing to stand by Taipei “until death do us part.” Speaking at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, President Surangel Whipps Jr. reaffirmed Palau’s longstanding recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign state and rejected calls from Beijing to sever relations. “China has one goal, and that is for us to renounce Taiwan,” Whipps said. “But we hope that they understand — that decision is a sovereign decision, and no country tells us who we should be friends with.”
Palau is one of a dwindling number of countries that formally recognize Taiwan over China, as Beijing continues to pressure nations to switch allegiance. Whipps likened the diplomatic relationship to a lifelong commitment, adding, “When you’re married, you’re married until death do us part.”
Located about 800 km east of the Philippines, the strategically placed archipelago has been deepening its security ties with the United States since Whipps took office in 2020. The country is hosting the construction of a U.S. long-range radar installation and has plans to upgrade its commercial port to accommodate more visits by American naval vessels.
While the growing U.S. military presence is aimed at deterring threats in the region, including rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Whipps acknowledged that it may increase Palau’s exposure in the event of conflict. Yes, there is concern that now we become a target,” he said. “That’s why it’s important that the ports and the airports are upgraded so that we are ready to be protected if a conflict does arise.”
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has ramped up military activity in the region in recent years. While the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation, it remains Taipei’s most significant international supporter and arms supplier.
