TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Palau President Surangel Whipps (惠恕仁) accused China of "weaponising tourism" to pressure Palau into severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan on Thursday (Aug. 15), according to a foreign media report.
Whipps claimed China warned Palau that maintaining relations with Taiwan is illegal and promised that "''the sky is the limit, we can give you everything you need.'"
Although Palau seeks economic development, Whipps emphasized the nation's commitment to its relationship with Taiwan, refusing to sacrifice their friendship for economic gain.
Whipps noted that Chinese media began portraying Palau as unsafe and advised against travel to the island nation. He highlighted that Palau faced exclusion from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA, 亞太旅行協會) meeting in May, shortly before he attended the inauguration of Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).
Taiwan has faced increasing international isolation, losing 10 diplomatic allies during former President Tsai Ing-wen's (蔡英文) tenure, leaving it with only 12 allies.