Palau reiterates its commitment to Taiwan

According to a story in Taiwan News, David Orrukem, Palau’s envoy to Taiwan, said Taiwan has the potential to be a reliable partner for the Pacific Island area.

Orrukem voiced serious concerns about China’s growing sway over the Pacific Island countries, saying Beijing’s growing dominance “threatens the way we value our lives.”

As Beijing’s influence grows, he voiced worry about Pacific Island countries seeking economic aid from China. He suggested that these nations take Taiwan into account as a trustworthy substitute, and Palau is prepared to provide its assistance in this respect.
The ambassador did not mention any particular nations.

Only Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and Palau now have diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Orrukem said that although China’s promises of assistance to the area are enticing, they are still just that—promises.

He urged the surrounding nations to consider the actual worth of their ties with Beijing. “Do you lead a life you enjoy? “Do you want that kind of life?” he inquired.

Additionally, he urged them to plan forward and refrain from becoming too dependent on China. He cautioned that as the initial euphoria subsides, issues will start to emerge. Adding, “Money isn’t everything,”

A security agreement between China and Solomon Islands, a former Taiwan ally, was inked in 2022, allowing Chinese military and police forces to help keep the peace. Additionally, the deal allows Chinese military ships to come to the nation to resupply supplies.

Last year, the two countries inked a new security pact that strengthened their cooperation in law enforcement. After severing diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2019, Kiribati’s acting Police Commissioner, Eeri Aritiera, announced in February that Chinese police were involved in community policing in the nation.

To improve their collaboration in law enforcement, the two nations inked a new security pact last year. Following the termination of diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2019, Kiribati’s interim Police Commissioner, Eeri Aritiera, announced in February that Chinese police were active in community policing in the nation.

According to Orrukem, Palau wants to promote regional harmony in order to offset Beijing’s expanding might. The nation is trying to convince its neighbors to support Taiwan in this endeavor.

“You may collaborate with Taiwan. The ambassador said, “We are proof of that. He emphasized the value of reciprocity by saying that Taiwan’s treatment of its inhabitants was the reason Palau chose to form an alliance with it.

The envoy emphasized that Palauan authorities might get commercial and financial training from Taiwan. He said that talks to increase collaboration in digital technology and healthcare are still going on.

According to Orrukem, Palau can help other countries look into other partners, like Taiwan, for economic progress by promoting more communication within the Pacific Island Forum. Eventually, he thinks, they’ll realize that it “isn’t so bad.”

According to Orrukem, maintaining the “Pacific Way,” an ideal that preserves traditional traditions and values, and encouraging collaboration across the Pacific islands are both essential to advancing peace.

He said that while Palau has good connections with its neighbors, it must figure out how to bring everyone back to their roots. Stressing the significance of their roots and the worth of their relationships with others is the first step.

According to Orrukem, the Pacific Way is well-known to the area and essential to its identity, and fostering peace may make this way of life stronger. “It makes our culture stronger and our people better,” he said.

Although there hasn’t been much progress, the ambassador said that Palau wants to boost communication. He did, however, issue a warning over China’s attempts to sabotage regional harmony, particularly inside the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

According to reports in August, China was pressuring Solomon Islands to exclude Taiwan from attending the PIF the next year and was also pressing other members to support this position. Taiwan responded by restating its position as a vital member of the Pacific Island community and as a 29-year PIF development partner.

Orrukem said that Palau cherishes and is appreciative of its connection with Taiwan, characterizing it as a bond of sisters and brotherhood.

He promised to keep pushing for Taiwan’s involvement in international affairs and to deepen collaboration in sectors including the economy, tourism, and aquaculture.

This backing coincides with President Lai Ching-te’s preparations for a November 30–December 6 visit to Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands.

Lai plans to speak with the leaders of these countries on sustainable democracy and smart sustainability, according to the Presidential Office. The purpose of the tour is to strengthen Taiwan’s alliances with its friends in the Pacific Islands.