By AFP and Focus | 2025-04-15

SYDNEY, Australia -- Pacific nation Palau will not cave to diplomatic pressure from China and will remain an ally of Taiwan "until death do us part," President Surangel Whipps Jr. said on April 10.

Speaking at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Whipps emphasized that Palau's bond with Taiwan is rooted in shared democratic values and sovereignty.

One of the few remaining nations to recognize Taiwan's claim to statehood, Palau has repeatedly risked Beijing's ire by refusing to sever ties.

"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."

Whipps's comments come as China increases diplomatic and economic pressure on the dwindling number of countries that recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state.

Only 12 nations, including Palau, maintain formal ties with Taipei, as Beijing continues to lure away allies with promises of infrastructure investment and economic aid.

'Standing with friends'

Palau's resistance, however, has come at a cost.

The nation has weathered economic coercion, cyberattacks and growing influence from Chinese-linked organized crime, according to Palauan officials.

In response to rising criminal infiltration, Palau launched a sweeping visa crackdown early this year, denying entry to more than 80 Chinese nationals. Authorities also deported dozens linked to illegal gambling, online fraud and organized crime rings, including individuals wanted on INTERPOL Red Notices.

In March 2024, Palau suffered a massive cyberattack that exposed more than 20,000 government documents. The timing -- coinciding with the renewal of key US agreements -- led Palauan officials to blame China, calling it a political message of intimidation.

Yet Whipps has remained firm, casting the island's loyalty to Taiwan as not only a strategic decision but as a moral one rooted in shared democratic values.

"We kind of believe in that principle, that when you're married, you're married until death do us part," Whipps said.

"This is about standing with friends who stand for freedom."

Symbol of resistance

Since assuming office in 2020, Whipps has deepened security ties with the United States and was re-elected in 2024 to lead the island nation of about 20,000 residents.

Palau has more than 300 islands and shares a maritime border to the west with Philippines and to the south with Indonesia. Situated in the Pacific Ocean between the spheres of influence of Washington and Beijing, Palau is an important US ally.

The island is hosting the construction of a long-range US radar facility, part of Washington's broader efforts to counter China's expanding military presence in the Indo-Pacific.

In his remarks, Whipps acknowledged that these moves could place Palau directly in harm's way.

"Yes, there is concern that now we become a target," he said. "Because of our location, no matter what, we're going to be a target for somebody."

To mitigate that risk, Palau is preparing to bolster its infrastructure, including port dredging and airport upgrades to accommodate more frequent visits from US Navy vessels.

Despite its smallness, Palau has become a powerful symbol of resistance.

"Palau is showing you can fight back, no matter your size," said a Sunday Guardian article on April 6.

"It's not easy, but it's the only way forward to protect lasting sovereignty, prosperity and freedom."