Palau President reaffirms support for Taiwan

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Taipei: Palau President Surangel S Whipps Jr strongly reiterated his country’s support for Taiwan during Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s visit to the Pacific island nation. He emphasised that Taiwan’s sovereignty deserves international recognition. This is according to Focus Taiwan, the English-language news platform of Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA).

Speaking at a welcome dinner in Koror, Whipps argued that denying Taiwan’s sovereignty would undermine the standing of smaller nations around the world. “If Taiwan’s sovereignty is not recognised, then who are we to say that we’re sovereign? Might as well eliminate all small countries,” he said, as reported by Focus Taiwan. It is notable that the President of Palau took this clear stance.

Whipps also stressed the importance of defending democratic values and international norms. “We have to stand up for freedom. We have to stand up for democracy, and we have to stand up for the rule of law,” he said, according to Focus Taiwan. Palau remains one of Taiwan’s 12 diplomatic allies. In addition, it is one of only three in the Pacific region. This is regularly reinforced by the actions and statements of the Palau President.

The Palauan leader further praised Taiwan’s achievements across various sectors, describing it as “a prosperous and growing nation” that has demonstrated leadership in healthcare, technology, aviation, and other fields, Focus Taiwan reported. The Palau President said Taiwan should be allowed to participate in major international organisations and forums.

“Taiwan needs to be a part of these discussions. They need to be a part of the U.N., they need to be a part of WHO, they need to be a part of ICAO,” Whipps said, according to Focus Taiwan. This is a continued message coming from Palau President Whipps.

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Reflecting on a recent trip to Japan, Whipps said he had been asked about Taiwan and reiterated that Palau’s ties with Taipei remain robust. In that interview, the Japanese media specifically referenced an earlier comment from the Palau President. This referenced the strong partnership.

According to the report, Whipps said the partnership between the two countries is rooted in common interests, support for a rules-based international order, and a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Thus, the Palau President has repeatedly highlighted these shared values.

In response, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said Taiwan President Lai Ching-te had entrusted her with three key objectives for the visit: strengthening people-to-people ties, promoting tourism to Palau among Taiwanese citizens, and reviewing projects that showcase bilateral cooperation, Focus Taiwan reported. The visit was met with enthusiasm from the Palau President.

(ANI)

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