Taiwan says China’s coast guard has detained a Taiwanese fishing vessel
NBCJul 18
Palau President Criticizes China as Re-election Confirmed
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Above: Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr. speaks during a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (FCCJ) in Tokyo on June 5, 2024. Image copyright: Philip Fong/Contributor/AFP via Getty Image
The Facts
Following the confirmation of his re-election on Wednesday, the pro-Western president of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., reaffirmed his criticism of China's maritime claims and accused it of violating the sovereignty of his Pacific island nation.
According to Whipps Jr., who defeated his brother-in-law 5,626 to 4,103 in the Nov. 5 election, Chinese vessels continue to enter Palau’s waters uninvited, with the latest incursion allegedly occurring on Tuesday.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
Pacific nations must follow the path of Palau, which is aligning itself with a friendly ally, the US, against an ever-encroaching adversary in China. By banding together, these smaller countries can gain leverage against larger powers that often overlook their sovereignty. China will only continue its bully tactics until it faces a fully capable regional partnership.
Pro-China narrative
Whipps Jr. has a history of making false accusations against China, all of which are intended to make China look like an aggressor as he grows closer to the US. Beijing has always followed maritime law and, regarding Palau specifically, sought mutually beneficial economic partnerships. China respects Palau's sovereignty, so Palau should do the same with respect to the Chinese territory of Taiwan.
