TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan can be a reliable partner for the Pacific Island region, Palau Ambassador to Taiwan David Orrukem said in a recent interview with Taiwan News.
Palau is extremely concerned about China’s growing influence among the Pacific Island nations, Orrukem said. Beijing’s tightening grip over the region “threatens the way we value our lives,” he said.
Seeing Pacific Island nations turn to China for economic aid is concerning because it allows Beijing to have more influence, he said. He suggested that these countries could instead engage with Taiwan as a trustworthy alternative and Palau is willing to help them.
The ambassador did not single out specific countries. Only Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Growing Chinese presence
Orrukem recognized that China’s promises to assist the region are attractive. However, promises are only that, he said.
He challenged neighboring countries to reflect on the true value of their relationship with Beijing. “Do you have the life that you like? Is that the kind of life you want?” he asked.
He also urged them to have the foresight to not depend so heavily on China. Once the puppy love phase ends, problems will start appearing, he said. “Money isn’t everything.”
China signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, a former Taiwan ally, in 2022 that allows Chinese police and military personnel to help maintain order. Chinese military ships can also make port calls in the nation for supply replenishment.
The two countries inked another security deal last year, bolstering cooperation in law enforcement.
In February, Kiribati acting Police Commissioner Eeri Aritiera confirmed that Chinese police were involved in community policing in the nation, which severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2019.
If Pacific Island countries stopped to contemplate their actions, they “can feel that the peacefulness is not in their backyard anymore. Because you are going to have someone breathing down your neck,” Orrukem said.
The ambassador was apprehensive about the militarization of the region, saying, “When you have war, some people are going to get hurt, and it’s our citizens.”
Taiwan can help
Palau seeks to promote regional peace to push back against Beijing’s expanding influence, Orrukem said. In doing so, it is trying to convince neighbors to turn to Taiwan.
“Taiwan is a country you can work with. We are evidence of that,” the ambassador said. What led Palau to ally with Taiwan was how it treated its citizens, he said, underscoring the importance of reciprocity.
The ambassador pointed out that Taiwan trains Palauan officials in finance and business. Talks to extend digital and medical cooperation are also underway, he said.
By fostering more dialogue in the Pacific Island Forum, Palau can help others seek alternative partners, including Taiwan, for economic development, Orrukem said. They will slowly begin to realize that it “isn’t so bad,” he said.
Protecting the ‘Pacific Way’
Orrukem said that part of advocating peace is preserving the “Pacific Way,” which is an ideal that embraces traditional culture and values and a cooperative spirit amongst the Pacific islands.
He said Palau has a good relationship with its neighbors but needs to find a way to get everyone on board to return to their roots. The first step is to highlight their importance and the significance of their ties with others.
The Pacific Way is what the region knows and what it’s used to, Orrukem said, adding that pushing peace can bolster this way of life. “It makes our culture stronger, our people better,” he said.
Though progress has been slow, Palau hopes to expand dialogue, the ambassador said. However, he warned of China’s attempts to break up regional harmony, particularly in the PIF.
News broke out in August that China was pressuring the Solomon Islands to block Taiwan’s participation in next year’s PIF. It also lobbied member nations to support this motion. Taiwan responded by reaffirming its status as a development partner with PIF for 29 years and an integral part of the Pacific Island community.
Taiwan partnership
Palau is happy and appreciative of its relationship with Taiwan, Orrukem said. “The relationship between Palau and Taiwan is brothers and sisters,” he said.
He vowed to deepen cooperation in economy, tourism, and aquaculture and continue to advocate for Taiwan’s international participation.
The ambassador’s support comes as President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) prepares for a trip to Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands from Nov. 30-Dec. 6. The Presidential Office said Lai seeks to discuss smart sustainability and sustainable democracy with the nations’ leaders. The visit aims to strengthen Taiwan’s partnerships with its Pacific Island allies, it said.
