Part 8/12:
The Palao leader candidly acknowledged constant Chinese pressure, often economic in nature. However, he emphasized that despite such pressures, Palao’s bonds with Taiwan and the US are strengthening. The President repeated that any shift in diplomatic ties would hinge upon economic security; if circumstances threaten Palao's economic resilience, the country might reconsider its foreign alliances.
He further clarified that the US presence—via security arrangements and economic support—is crucial to maintaining Palao’s independence. The government seeks to diversify its economy, attract Taiwanese and US investments, and develop resilient economic ties to reduce reliance on China or other potentially coercive forces.