By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Taipei, Taiwan — The Embassy of Palau in Taipei held the first official celebration of Palau Independence Day in Taiwan on Tuesday, October 20, bringing together Taiwanese partners from the health-care and education sectors, business leaders, students, and Palauan citizens living in Taiwan for an evening of speeches, dinner, and cultural […]
Tag: Pacific diplomacy
Posted inTop Stories
‘The Pacific is our home, not a theatre for geopolitical competition’: Forum Chair Whipps
NEW YORK, 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS)— Palau President and Forum Chair, Surangel Whipps Jr has warned that the Pacific must not be treated as a theatre for geopolitical competition, calling for respect for Pacific sovereignty, international law and the region’s right to determine its own future. Delivering Palau’s High-Level Statement at the 81st United Nations […]
Posted inTop Stories
Forum Chair Whipps pushes for fixed annual date for PIF Leaders Meeting
By Elilai Rengiil KOROR, Palau (August 30, 2026) — Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting Chair and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. wants Pacific leaders to consider setting a fixed annual date for the Forum, saying predictable scheduling could improve attendance and strengthen regional unity. “It’s pretty hard to speak with one voice if they’re not […]
Posted inOpinion
Tonga’s future is unfolding in Antarctic waters
By H.E. the Honorable Lord Fakafanua, Prime Minister of Tonga When Pacific leaders meet, we speak for nations whose futures are inseparable from the ocean. Yet some of the decisions affecting our people are made thousands of kilometres away, in negotiating rooms where Pacific countries are few and Large Ocean States are wholly absent. Tonga […]
Posted inPacific News
Taiwan foreign minister to attend Pacific islands leaders summit events
TAIPEI, 27 AUGUST 2026 (REUTERS) — Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung will attend events related to a major summit of leaders from Pacific islands nations in Palau starting next week, his office said on Wednesday, though China said he had no right to take part. China’s test-firing in July of a missile into the Pacific […]
Posted inPacific News
Kiribati considers constitutional change to cement diplomatic recognition of China
TARAWA, 27 AUGUST 2026 (ABC) — Kiribati could be on the brink of amending its constitution to stop future governments from switching diplomatic recognition back to Taiwan, with its parliament set to vote on a bill declaring that maintaining ties with countries not recognised by the United Nations is “embarrassing” and like a poor marriage. […]