Taiwan Criticizes China for Pressuring Palau and Increasing Military Activities
Taipei [Taiwan], August 17: Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (TMOFA) criticized Beijing for pressuring Palau to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan and for using coercive tactics that threaten regional peace. TMOFA noted that China has previously warned Palau’s President Surangel Whipps to break ties with Taiwan.
Palau’s President Whipps stated, “We have a relationship with Taiwan … China has openly told us (that) it is illegal and we should not recognize Taiwan. We need economic development, but at the same time we have values, we have partnerships, and the relationship we have with Taiwan, we treasure.”
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters also claimed that China advised against recognizing Taiwan as a separate identity. He emphasized that New Zealand values its partnership with Taiwan.
According to Focus Taiwan, TMOFA reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to “value-based” diplomacy, highlighting strong bilateral exchanges with Palau in tourism, medicine, and agriculture. The ministry accused China of expanding its influence in the Pacific through intimidation and economic coercion.
China has increasingly asserted its claims over Taiwan since September 2020, ramping up military aircraft and naval vessel activities around the island. This aggression intensified after former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022.
Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, but China views the island as part of its territory. On Friday, Taiwan reported detecting 13 Chinese military aircraft and 10 naval vessels operating nearby. This month, Taiwan has tracked over 300 PLA aircraft and around 200 Chinese ships.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located near China. It has its own government and operates like a separate country, but China claims it as part of its territory.
China -: China is a large country in Asia with the world’s biggest population. It has a powerful government and military.
Palau -: Palau is a small island country in the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its beautiful beaches and marine life.
diplomatic ties -: Diplomatic ties are official relationships between countries. They involve cooperation and communication on various issues.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs -: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a part of the government that handles a country’s relationships with other countries.
coercive tactics -: Coercive tactics are actions taken to force someone to do something they might not want to do, often using threats or pressure.
regional peace -: Regional peace means that countries in a specific area are not fighting and are living in harmony.
Surangel Whipps -: Surangel Whipps is the President of Palau, the leader of the country.
Winston Peters -: Winston Peters is the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, responsible for managing the country’s international relations.
military activities -: Military activities include actions taken by a country’s armed forces, such as moving troops, ships, or aircraft.
aircraft -: Aircraft are vehicles that can fly, like airplanes and helicopters.
ships -: Ships are large boats used for traveling on water, often for transporting goods or people.
