Relations with ROC do not stop Palau from developing trade ventures with PRC

By: L.N. Reklai

December 28, 2017 (Koror, Palau) Minister of State Faustina Rehuher-Marugg says Palau’s relationship with Republic of China (Taiwan) has been “consistent and committed” and the relationship with ROC does not stop Palau from developing trade ventures with people from the People’s Republic of China.

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Responding to letters from Senator Hokkons Baules and members of the House of Delegates, Minister of State Marugg explained that Ambassador Olkeriil’s statements were focused on Palau/Taiwan (ROC) relations and that PRC was only mentioned with regards to “One China Policy”.

Earlier this month, two letters from Senate President Baules and from House of Delegate members to Minister of State Rehuher-Marugg expressed their upset over statements made by Palau’s Ambassador to Republic of China (Taiwan) Dilmei Olkeriil, who stated to China News Agency that Palau had an “extremely stable” relationship with Taiwan and that it was not going to establish relations with People’s Republic of China.

Responding, Minister Marugg stated that Palau’s relationship with Taiwan has been consistent and the relationship with Taiwan will not deter Palau from seeking to collaborate in trade with partners in China.

The letter also states that President Remengesau Jr. believes that there should be a periodic review of the relationship with ROC and has informed ROC Embassy in Palau that Palau wants to open a review of the relationship to assess “current state of mutual cooperation.”

Senator Baules in his letter of December 20 to Minister Marugg also expressed concern that the statements made by Ambassador Olkeriil might have “adverse effects on China’s support for our initiatives in international organizations as the United Nations.”

In the response to Baules, Minister of State Marugg stated that while Palau is a small developing state, “it has a role to play in regional and international forums, as well as the United Nations, to pursue freedom, peace and economic and social advancement for all nations and peoples.”

“We will continue to work with UN Security Council including the U.S., Japan, and PRC, to ensure our region is stable and peaceful. Of course nothing is ever extremely stable, and Palau will always vigilantly safeguard its own best interests in any relationship,” added Minister Marugg.

The response letter from the Ministry of State was sent to both Senate President Hokkons Baules and House of Delegates. [/restrict]