Taiwan says China’s coast guard has detained a Taiwanese fishing vessel
NBCJul 07, 2024
Following the confirmation of his re-election on Wednesday, the pro-Western president of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., reaffirmed his criticism of China's maritime claims and accused it of violating the sovereignty of his Pacific island nation.According to Whipps Jr., who defeated his brother-in-law 5,626 to 4,103 in the Nov. 5 election, Chinese vessels continue to enter Palau’s waters uninvited, with the latest incursion allegedly occurring on Tuesday.
According to Whipps Jr., who defeated his brother-in-law 5,626 to 4,103 in the Nov. 5 election, Chinese vessels continue to enter Palau’s waters uninvited, with the latest incursion allegedly occurring on Tuesday.As Whipps Jr. accuses China of entering its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), he's also been expanding the US' military presence, including the construction of a radar outpost and plans to deepen ports for US Navy access.
As Whipps Jr. accuses China of entering its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), he's also been expanding the US' military presence, including the construction of a radar outpost and plans to deepen ports for US Navy access.The island nation of about 20K used to thrive from Chinese tourism but was unofficially blacklisted as a destination by Beijing in 2017 due to its refusal to denounce Taiwan. It's also been part of a "Compact of Free Association" with the US since gaining independence in1994, which allows access to the US military.
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Whipps Jr. has a history of making false accusations against China, all of which are intended to make China look like an aggressor as he grows closer to the US. Beijing has always followed maritime law and, regarding Palau specifically, sought mutually beneficial economic partnerships. China respects Palau's sovereignty, so Palau should do the same with respect to the Chinese territory of Taiwan.