PALAU has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
President Surangel Whipps Jr. Said his country would stand by its friends despite external pressure.
Speaking at a Taiwan-hosted event on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum, Whipps said maintaining friendships was not always the easiest choice but was based on trust.
“For Palau, friendship is not about convenience. It is about trust,” he said.
His remarks come after China warned of consequences over Taiwan’s high-profile presence during this year’s Forum gathering in Palau.
Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung thanked Palau for its hospitality and said Taiwan remained committed to strengthening cooperation with Pacific island countries.
He highlighted Taiwan’s expertise in emerging technologies, including uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), and said the event showcased potential applications of drone technology for Palau, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu.
“Taiwan sees this as the beginning of an enduring partnership,” Lin said. Palau, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu are among Taiwan’s 12 remaining diplomatic allies and are the only three Pacific island countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taipei.
