The Latest Breaking News from Surangel Whipps Jr

Taiwan’s president urges China to ‘open its arms’ amid rising tensions

Lai Ching Te criticises Beijing’s military activity around island as Chinese sanctions target US firms over arms sales to Taipei

The Independent UK · Dec 6, 2024

Palau President Says China Flouting Its Ocean Boundaries

Palau's president has accused China of flouting the Pacific nation's maritime borders, raising concerns about research vessels lurking "uninvited" within its waters.

International Business Times · Nov 13, 2024

Pro-US Incumbent Claims Victory In Palau Presidential Vote

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.

International Business Times · Nov 11, 2024

Culture, democracy and clout: why three Pacific countries are sticking with Taiwan

Tuvalu, Palau and the Marshall Islands hold diplomatic ties with Taiwan despite pressure from China to switch sides

The Guardian - AU · Feb 23, 2024

Palau president welcomes ADF foreign soldier push

The leader of Palau has welcomed a proposal allowing foreign citizens to join the ADF as a good step forward, but says its residents have to be supported.

AAP · Jan 7, 2024

Here be nodules: will deep-sea mineral riches divide the Pacific family?

Members of the Pacific Islands Forums are weighing the economic potential of sea floor mining against possible harm to ocean ecosystems

The Guardian - AU · Nov 10, 2023

Nauru walkout stuns Pacific summit before landmark deal

Nauru President David Adeang says he isn't pulling his country from the Pacific Islands Forum, while Australia will offer resettlement to Tuvalu residents.

AAP · Nov 9, 2023

Afternoon Update: Optus outage causes nationwide frustration; ketamine use hits record peak; and global wine production falls

Optus is gradually restoring services after a nationwide outage, but the cause remains unclear

The Guardian - AU · Nov 8, 2023

Solomon Islands prime minister says US must respect Pacific leaders

Manasseh Sogavare hits out at US after skipping Biden summit as $200m in funding for Pacific nations draws criticism for ‘trying to play catch up’

The Guardian - AU · Sep 27, 2023

U.S. agrees to renew strategic pact with second Pacific island state

The United States and Palau agreed on Wednesday to renew a key strategic pact, part of U.S. efforts to shore up support among Pacific island states to counter competition from China, even as President Joe Biden called off a historic stop in the region.

Reuters · May 17, 2023