MOFA response to Palau President Whipps’s comment that China is weaponizing tourism to pressure Palau to sever relations with Taiwan

August 16, 2024

Palau is a diplomatic ally and a friend of Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan has consistently supported Palau's efforts to develop its tourism industry and implement its national policy of building economic resilience and pursuing sustainable development. Taiwan has proactively assisted Palau with revitalizing its tourism sector following the pandemic, increasing the number of direct flights between the two countries and enhancing the resilience of Palau's tourism sector. In contrast, China has deployed such tactics as intimidation, incentives, and economic coercion to expand its power in the Pacific in recent years, undermining regional peace, stability, and prosperity. There have also been occasional reports of China attempting to coerce Taiwan's diplomatic allies to switch diplomatic recognition. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns China's actions.

During an interview with the press, President of Palau Surangel Whipps, Jr. said that China has weaponized tourism, seeking to suppress Palau's tourism industry and force Palau to switch diplomatic recognition. This was not the first time that President Whipps had warned about such an occurrence. This again demonstrates the predicament faced by small island nations subjected to economic bullying by major countries. Taiwan empathizes with Palau and will continue to extend heartfelt and staunch support.

After pandemic measures were lifted across the globe, Taiwan resumed regular twice-weekly flights to Palau in November 2022. An additional flight was scheduled in April and again in July this year, bringing the total to four flights a week. Taiwan welcomes the preferential tourism programs that Palau has introduced for Taiwanese visitors since the number of flights was increased. These programs have been a success and highlight the close cooperation between Taiwan and Palau, presenting a sharp contrast to China's selective targeting and suppressive economic coercion tactics.

In the interview, President Whipps also emphasized that the Taiwan-Palau diplomatic alliance is built on shared values and that Palau cherishes its friendship with Taiwan. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1999, the two countries have enjoyed solid and cordial ties and engaged in close cooperation across a number of domains, including agriculture, fishery, medicine, health care, tourism development, sports exchanges, education, training, culture, marine conservation, and maritime security. Joint initiatives have been welcomed and recognized by politicians of all persuasions and the people of Palau. MOFA will continue to support President Whipps's promotion of values-based diplomacy. Taiwan will cooperate with Palau and other Pacific allies and like-minded countries to jointly advance cordial diplomatic ties with Palau and ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.