KOROR, PALAU – A top Taiwanese diplomat based in Palau said that Taiwan had been investing more economic aid in the Pacific than China did last year.
Taiwan Ambassador to Palau Wallace Chow, during an early celebration of the 108th Taiwan National Day in Palau on October 8, cited in his speech that the Lowy Institute’s Pacific Aid Map 2018 revealed that Taipei spent $237 per capita in the Pacific compared to Beijing’s aid of only $108 per capita.
Given that circumstance, Ambassador Chow said that it is only legitimate for its allies to review their relations with Taipei and Beijing.
Chow made the statement after sharing that Taipei was broken-hearted after two of its long-time allies in the Pacific, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, ‘betrayed’ them for switching ties to Beijing.
“I am totally confident that if it’s (diplomatic relations) been evaluated under the principles of national interest, people’s benefits, justice and transparency, not from personal greed and craving, they will definitely choose to stay with a reliable democratic and honest partner like Taiwan, not a tycoon-style capricious dictator like China,” Chow said.
Chow reiterated that Taiwan has always kept its promises and that it always treats its allies, including Palau, with respect.
“I firmly believe, as long as we continue to cherish the trust and goodwill, our friendship will last another 20 years and beyond. Let’s help each other and join hands for future common growth and development,” Chow said.
Taiwan’s 108th National Day celebration in Palau was attended by local dignitaries including presidential reelectionist Johnson Toribiong who recently expressed intention to address Palau’s relationship with China and Taiwan during his official announcement to run for president in the next Palau national election. (Rhealyn C. Pojas)