US Encourages Nations to Support Taiwan Amid China’s Pressure on Palau
A US State Department official has urged countries to deepen their engagement with Taiwan after Palau’s President, Surangel Whipps, revealed that China has been economically coercing Palau due to its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan. The official stated, “Taiwan is a reliable, like-minded, and democratic partner, and its partnerships — official and unofficial — around the world provide significant and sustainable benefits to the citizens of those countries.”
On August 16, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (TMOFA) criticized Beijing for pressuring Palau to sever its diplomatic ties with Taiwan and for its coercive tactics that threaten regional peace. TMOFA noted that this is not the first time China has warned Palau about its relationship with Taiwan.
Palau’s President Whipps emphasized the importance of their relationship with Taiwan, stating, “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.”
Meanwhile, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will visit China from August 27-29 to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussions will cover issues ranging from Taiwan to bilateral military talks, the US fentanyl crisis, China’s support for Russia’s defense industry, and regional tensions in the South China Sea, North Korea, the Middle East, and Myanmar.
Sullivan aims to push for a resumption of theatre-level military-to-military talks with China and is likely to raise concerns about China’s increased military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan.
Doubts Revealed
US State Department -: The US State Department is a part of the US government that deals with foreign countries and international relations.
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island near China that has its own government, but China claims it as part of its territory.
Palau -: Palau is a small island country in the Pacific Ocean that has diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Economic coercion -: Economic coercion means using money or trade to force another country to do something.
Beijing -: Beijing is the capital city of China and often used to refer to the Chinese government.
White House National Security Advisor -: The White House National Security Advisor is a top official in the US government who helps the President with issues related to the safety and security of the country.
Jake Sullivan -: Jake Sullivan is the current White House National Security Advisor.
Regional tensions -: Regional tensions refer to conflicts or disagreements between countries in a specific area, in this case, around Taiwan and China.