Pro-US Incumbent Claims Victory In Palau Presidential Vote

Palau president Surangel Whipps has accused China of putting pressure on his country to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan (Credit: AFP)

Incumbent Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr claimed victory Monday in national elections, keeping the pro-US leader in power as China seeks greater influence across the Pacific.

Over his four years in office, Baltimore-born Whipps has overseen the swift expansion of US military interests across the Palauan archipelago.