Beijing has stated that Palau should fulfill its international law obligations by recognizing China instead of Taiwan.
In a press conference last week, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, responded to a question from the media regarding Palau and its recent election results, saying, “It is never too late for Palau to ally with China.” She noted that only a few countries, including Palau, still maintain what she called “diplomatic relations” with Taiwan. “Such practices not only go against the interests of these countries and their people and contravene UNGA Resolution 2758, but they also violate China’s sovereignty and, therefore, need to be corrected,” she stated.
While the election results have not been officially certified, tabulation indicates President Whipps is on track to serve his second term. Whipps has accused China of pressuring Palau to sever ties with Taiwan. Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands are the three remaining Pacific nations that still regard Taiwan as an independent nation, which China views as violating UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. Resolution 2758 recognizes the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the only legitimate representative of China. China claims Taiwan as a province of China.
“China urges these countries to fulfill their obligations under international law, stand on the right side of history, and make decisions that truly serve their fundamental and long-term interests at an early date,” Mao said. Mao expressed that China was open to establishing a relationship with Palau and asserted that it would be in Palau’s best interest to ally with Beijing. “It’s never too late to make new friends. China stands ready to open new chapters for relations with these countries based on the one-China principle,” she added.
Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1999, Palau has remained committed to its relationship with Taiwan. Both President Surangel Whipps Jr. and his former presidential opponent, Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., emphasized that these ties are founded on respect for the rule of law and democratic principles, making them not easily broken. (By: Bernadette Carreon)