Aug 16, 2024 · WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Beijing weaponized tourism to the Pacific archipelago of Palau over its allegiance to Taiwan and its accusations that China was behind a major cyberattack there, President Surangel Whipps Jr. told The Associated Press.

Aug 27, 2024 · The island nation of Palau is at the center of tensions involving the U.S., China and Taiwan. It's a delicate geopolitical balancing act that Palau has had to do since its inception.

3 days ago · For all the regional talk of “Pacific family” and “friends to all enemies to none” who did – and who didn’t – show up for the Jan. 16 inauguration of Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and Vice President Raynold Oilouch tells a different story.. Palau recognizes Taiwan, and has been a consistent target of Beijing, including economic warfare, cyber attacks and …

Nov 2, 2024 · China plays push-pull with its tourists to Palau—a country that depends substantially on tourism—creating deliberate economic instability when it can’t create dependence. In 2008, there were 634 Chinese tourists in Palau, less than 1% of all tourists.

Nov 13, 2024 · The U.S. defense treaty ally, situated about 500 miles west of Palau, is locked in a long-standing and escalating feud with China over its increasing maritime presence in the Philippine exclusive...

Nov 13, 2024 · The pro-Western president of Palau has hit out at China as his re-election was confirmed. The electoral committee formally declared President Surangel Whipps Jr’s victory in the vote on Wednesday.

Jun 2, 2024 · Palau, a clump of about 350 small islands in the Pacific Ocean, has become increasingly important to the United States as China tries to build clout in the Indo-Pacific. This year, Washington...

Nov 13, 2024 · Palau's president has accused China of flouting the Pacific nation's maritime borders, raising concerns about research vessels lurking "uninvited" within its waters. "We keep on raising flags and complaining about it, but they keep on sending them," said President Surangel Whipps Jr, the pro-US leader re-elected this week.

Jul 21, 2023 · Although the agreement fell through, it highlights China's efforts to influence the Pacific states — including Palau, a US ally and one of the few countries to recognise Taiwan.

Jun 25, 2023 · Take what’s happened in Palau, one of the two that recognizes Taiwan. Beijing first worked to build up Palau’s dependence on Chinese tourism. In 2008, there were 634 Chinese tourists in Palau, less than 1% of all tourists. By 2015, it was more than 91,000, or around 54%.