In a recent interview, President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau revealed that Beijing has been using tourism as a tool to pressure the Pacific nation to change its stance on recognizing Taiwan as an independent democracy. Palau, along with Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands, is among the few Pacific nations that still recognize Taiwan, much to the displeasure of Beijing.
President Whipps recounted how the Chinese ambassador had offered to send a million tourists to Palau if the country shifted its position on Taiwan. Despite the economic incentives, Whipps stood firm, emphasizing that principles outweigh financial gains.
