The Palau Election Commission confirmed on Wednesday (November 13) that the incumbent President Surangel Whipps Jr. has won the national election held last week and successfully secured his re-election.
In his victory statement on Wednesday, Whipps said, “Looking ahead, I know the challenges we face are enormous, but so are the opportunities.” He added that the Palau government will focus on diversifying the country’s economy while also protecting the oceans and forests.
Whipps, in an interview with Agence France-Presse on Tuesday (November 12), once again criticized China for disregarding his country’s maritime boundaries and expressed concerns about Chinese research vessels entering Palauan waters without permission, stating, “We have been issuing warnings and protests continuously, but they keep sending ships over.”
Whipps further noted that China “continues to disrespect our sovereignty and borders, continuing with these activities.”
As one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, the Pacific island nation of Palau has been facing pressure from China, attempting to coerce Palau into severing ties with Taiwan.
Whipps has repeatedly exposed China’s malicious behaviors, accusing China of infringing on his country’s sovereignty, and has called on democratic nations worldwide to collectively resist China’s threats.
With a population of only 18,000 people, Palau is located on an archipelago between the Philippines and the US military base in Guam. Washington and Beijing have been vying for influence in this region, which is not only a crucial shipping lane and location for communication cables but also possesses abundant fishery resources and underwater minerals.
This year, Palau renewed its Compact of Free Association with the United States, whereby Palau will receive $890 million in economic assistance over 20 years. In return, Palau will permit the US military continued access to its maritime, airspace, and land.
Former US National Security Council consultant Kathryn Paik stated that Palau’s close relationship with the United States allows Washington to access a critical area in the North Pacific.
During his first term, Whipps allowed the US to expand its military presence in Palau, stating that he likes to quote former US President Ronald Reagan’s words “peace through strength.” This phrase originates from the founding principles of America’s founding fathers, first put forth by President George Washington.
Meanwhile, China has been pressuring Palau to sever ties with Taiwan by targeting the country’s tourism industry, including banning state-organized group tours to Palau in 2017, leading to a sharp decline in the number of tourists visiting the country. Chinese authorities also issued a travel warning in July this year advising against travel to Palau.
Whipps mentioned that Palau is collaborating with Japan, the United States, and Taiwan to address this issue.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen previously congratulated Whipps on social media, expressing intentions to enhance cooperation in tourism and infrastructure.