The pro-American president of the island country Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., has taken aim at China following his re-election. He has said that China is continually violating Palau’s maritime borders and that Chinese exploration ships often enter Palau’s maritime borders without permission. He also complained about China’s maritime claims and highlighted the increased American presence in the country.
On November 5, presidential elections were held in Palau, in which Whipps received 5,626 votes, defeating his brother-in-law Tommy Remengesau, who received 4,103 votes. Whips has been elected president for the second time in Palau, an island country with a population of 20,000. Located in the Pacific Ocean between the spheres of influence of the United States and China, Palau is an important ally of the United States and also a diplomatic friend of Taiwan.
After the victory, Whipps said in a statement that he would try to diversify the economy and protect the environment.
Palau this year renewed an agreement with the United States under which it will receive $890 million in economic aid in exchange for continued US military access to its maritime zones, airspace and land.
‘China is continually violating our sovereignty’
Whipps also gave an interview to the AFP news agency in which he reiterated his accusation of China not respecting Palau’s maritime borders.
He alleged that Chinese exploration ships are hiding in Palau’s maritime area without permission. He further said: “They (China) continually do not respect our sovereignty and our borders.”
He said Chinese authorities have named two Palau seamounts, which is a violation of his country’s sovereignty. He has described this step by China as provocative.
He said Palau is also concerned about collisions between Chinese and Filipino ships in the South China Sea.
The American presence in Palau is necessary to stop China
During his first term, Whipps had repeatedly reiterated that the US military presence in Palau was essential to deterring China. He even described Palau as “part of the American homeland” in terms of security.
The United States has built a long-range radar outpost in Palau, which is an important early warning system. This post was built in view of China’s increasing military activities in the Taiwan Strait.
Palau is increasingly distancing itself from China and is one of the few countries that recognizes Taiwan’s independence. For this reason, China has blacklisted Palau as a tourist location. This has affected Palau’s income from Chinese tourists.
