Taiwan Condemns China's Pressure on Palau Amid Growing Regional Tensions

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned China's pressure on Palau to sever diplomatic ties. This incident exemplifies Beijing's coercive tactics, which Taiwan argues are jeopardizing regional stability. Taiwan remains committed to strong bilateral relations with Palau, particularly in tourism, medicine, and agriculture.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (TMOFA) criticized Beijing on Friday for pressuring Palau to sever its diplomatic ties with the island nation, according to a Taiwan Focus report. TMOFA emphasized that this is not the first time China has warned Palau's President Surangel Whipps, pressuring Pacific nations to break ties with Taiwan.

"We have a relationship with Taiwan... China has openly told us that it is illegal and we should not recognize Taiwan. We need economic development, but at the same time, we have values, partnerships, and the relationship we have with Taiwan is treasured," Whipps told reporters during an official visit by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters. New Zealand's Foreign Minister also stated that China has explicitly advised against recognizing Taiwan as a separate identity from China, stressing that while economic development is crucial, the partnership with Taiwan is deeply valued.

TMOFA reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to "value-based" diplomacy, highlighting that exchanges in tourism, medicine, and agriculture with Palau remain robust. The ministry accused China of expanding its influence in the Pacific through intimidation and economic coercion, undermining regional stability. China has increasingly asserted its claims over Taiwan since September 2020, escalating military activities around the island. This tension has intensified following former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in 2022.

Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, but China views the island as part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, even by force if necessary. On Friday, Taiwan reported detecting 13 Chinese military aircraft and 10 naval vessels operating nearby between Thursday morning and Friday morning. This month alone, Taiwan has tracked over 300 PLA aircraft and around 200 Chinese ships. Since September 2020, China has ramped up its grey zone tactics, incrementally increasing military presence around Taiwan.

(With inputs from agencies.)