Taiwan says China’s coast guard has detained a Taiwanese fishing vessel
NBCJul 07, 2024
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.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.
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.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.
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.
Pacific nations must follow the path of Palau, which is aligning itself with a friendly ally, the US, against an ever-encroaching adversary in China. By banding together, these smaller countries can gain leverage against larger powers that often overlook their sovereignty. China will only continue its bully tactics until it faces a fully capable regional partnership.
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.