Presidential candidate Tommy Remengesau Jr. criticized an article published by ASPI Strategist, the commentary platform of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, on September 2, 2024, which labeled him as “pro-Beijing” and claimed that if he were elected president, Palau’s relationship with Taiwan could be jeopardized.
The article suggested that the upcoming general election “may determine Palau’s future relationship with Taiwan.” It portrayed the two presidential candidates as having distinct international alignments, stating that Surangel Whipps Jr. was pro-U.S., while Remengesau was “pro-Beijing” with “several ties to China.”
Remengesau refuted the allegations, saying, “No one consulted me or asked what I thought of our relationship with the U.S., Taiwan, or China.” He pointed to his track record, which includes strong support for Taiwan during his 16 years as president of Palau, and asserted, “My record speaks for itself.”
He emphasized Palau’s commitment to its partnerships with key allies, adding, “Whether it’s Whipps or Remengesau, I see consistency and improvement in our relationships.”
The article also accused China of exerting influence over local media, claiming, “Beijing’s blatant investment in local media outlets such as Tia Belau minimizes the potential exposure of unfavorable stories and promotes narratives that support Chinese interests.” (By: L.N. Reklai)