Palau President Criticizes China as Re-election Confirmed

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.^[1]
• 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.^[1][2]
• As Whipps Jr. accuses China of entering its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), he's also been expanding the US' military presence, including the construction of a radar outpost and plans to deepen ports for US Navy access.^[3]
• The island nation of about 20K used to thrive from Chinese tourism but was unofficially blacklisted as a destination by Beijing in 2017 due to its refusal to denounce Taiwan. It's also been part of a "Compact of Free Association" with the US since gaining independence in 1994, which allows access to the US military.^[4]
• In reference to Donald Trump's recent election, Whipps Jr., the leader of one of just 12 countries that recognize Taiwan, said his nation's relationship with the US "remains firm" and that both American political parties "understand the importance of Pacific relations."^[5]
• This comes after China earlier this month urged the 12 outstanding countries to "fulfill their obligations under international law" and recognize the one-China principle.^[6]

Sources: ^[1]Al Jazeera, ^[2]Newsweek, ^[3]South China Morning Post, ^[4]Japan Times, ^[5]Taipei Times and ^[6]China Daily.

Narratives

• Anti-China narrative, as provided by Foreign Policy. 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, as provided by Global Times and People's Daily. 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.