Taiwan’s Pacific Allies
REPORTER:
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to maintaining ties with Taiwan despite pressure from China.
Surangel Whipps Jr. (PALAUAN PRESIDENT):
Standing by your friends is not always the easiest choice. There is sometimes pressure to those to choose a different path. But for Palau, friendship is not about convenience, it is about trust. And we don't need to be friends with people that beat you up.
Whipps made the remarks at an evening event hosted by Taiwan on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum. His comments came after China threatened consequences over Taiwan’s high-profile presence at this year’s gathering.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung thanked Palau for its hospitality toward Taiwan during the forum. He said Taiwan is committed to deepening cooperation with Pacific nations and sharing its expertise, including in the area of drones.
Lin Chia-lung (TAIWAN FOREIGN MINISTER):
Tonight's program will focus on unmanned aerial vehicles, UAV, and the benefits that this exciting new technology can bring us bring to Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu. Taiwan sees this as the beginning of an enduring partnership.
Palau, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands are three of Taiwan’s 12 remaining diplomatic allies and the only three in the Pacific.
---
Pacific Islands Forum
REPORTER:
At Taiwan Night, a casual sideline event at the Pacific Islands Forum on Monday evening, Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps Jr reaffirmed his country’s friendship with Taiwan.
Surangel S. Whipps, Jr (PALAUAN PRESIDENT):
We believe in democracy and freedom, in the dignity of every person and their right to determine their own future. That is why Palau has always been clear about our friendship with Taiwan.
The 55th Pacific Islands Forum hosted by Palau concludes on September 4.
00:32
01:26
03:03
02:37
00:29
01:39
00:35
01:27
08:10
03:50
03:34
00:33
00:35
03:04
02:03
00:41