TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan and Palau discussed promoting sustainable development and clean energy in the Pacific Island nation on Tuesday. 

According to the Taiwan Embassy in Palau, a team of experts on renewable and clean energy and sustainable tourism engaged with Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr., the Palau Visitors Authority, and the Palau Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, and Development. The team will assist in upgrading the country’s transportation system “to a fully zero-carbon, sustainable model,” improving the quality of tourism.

The embassy said it is “honored” to help Palau transition to clean and affordable energy. “We are working towards a resilient, eco-friendly future where both our nations thrive,” it added.

The Palau government thanked Taiwan for its “continued partnership and invaluable support.” These are vital for helping Palau provide reliable and affordable energy to residents and visitors, it said.

The meeting comes after the US think tank Pacific Economy warned that China is using transnational criminal organizations to advance its political objectives in Palau and weaken Taiwan’s diplomatic ties with the Pacific Island nation.

The organizations invest in development projects in Palau but act as tools of the Chinese Communist Party to expand local influence, secretly channel funds and personnel, and pressure the Palauan government, Jarod Baker, co-founder of Pacific Economics said.