The United States is a Pacific nation, and thus strong ties with the Pacific Islands are a top priority for our foreign policy. On behalf of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, I’ve been honored to lead our diplomatic efforts in this vital part of the world. As Deputy Secretary of State, I’ve traveled to Fiji, […]
Category: Opinion
Posted inOpinion
Why the Pacific Islands Forum should watch Taiwan’s East Coast
Domingo I-Kwei Yang SUVA/TAIPEI, 12 AUGUST 2026 (THE DIPLOMAT) —Ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), scheduled to take place 30 August 30 to 04 September in Palau, Pacific Island leaders failed to reach consensus on a joint statement criticising China’s submarine-based ballistic missile testing in the Pacific. The split reflects intensifying great-power competition […]
Posted inOpinion
“NDBP Must Put the Safety of Palauan Families First”
A home is more than just concrete and wood—it is where families build their future. That is why every Palauan has the right to expect that homes financed through NDBP are built with quality materials and inspected to the highest safety standards. Many homeowners have expressed serious concerns that some houses were approved despite alleged […]
Posted inOpinion
Vanuatu Won the Legal Argument. Now to Change Climate Finance.
By Kanni Wignaraja and Munkhtuya Altangerel One year ago, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled, unanimously, that states have binding legal obligations to protect global climate systems. It found that a state’s failure to act, including through fossil fuel production, consumption, new exploration licences, or continued subsidies, may constitute an internationally wrongful act attributable […]
Posted inOpinion
TO THE EDITOR:
Dear Mr. John, My name is Jackson R. Ngiraingas, a person of Peleliu and a registered voter and a former governor of Peleliu State. I am also a traditional title bearer of the 4th clan of one of the five hamlets of Peleliu. I am also one of the Plaintiffs in a civil case in […]
Posted inOpinion
Palau’s Leadership, Shared Prosperity for the Blue Pacific
OP-ED by: Amb. Andy Kang-I ChenAmbassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of Palau This August, the Republic of Palau will proudly host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM), once again demonstrating its leadership in bringing Pacific nations and partners together to address the region’s shared opportunities and challenges. Taiwan […]